It has been a challenging time as the life we all knew has been upended by the COVID-19 pandemic. At its core, theater is a collaborative, collective experience. Even though at this time we are not able to gather in the same physical space, we have been committed to finding new ways to strengthen our connections with our community.
We know that the power of theater to cultivate our shared humanity and to heal is needed more than ever.
As you can imagine, the Arts Center has been significantly impacted by the effects of the COVID-19 virus on our world. In order to do our part and comply with current federal, state and local government restrictions, as well as guidance from national health agencies, we have had to make some tremendously difficult decisions. With courage and hope, we continue to take a number of steps to protect our staff, our community, and the longevity of your Arts Center soon to enter its 25th year.
In light of the ongoing global crisis, and after careful and painstaking consideration, the Arts Center has decided to cancel its summer production of Footloose. This is a decision we have not taken lightly as we explored many scenarios and options the last several weeks.
However, there are two overriding concerns that caused us to make this decision at this time. Of course, the primary factor is the health, wellbeing, and safety of our patrons, staff, volunteers, and artists. With the ever-changing information and environment we work through every day, we would rather err on the side of safety and caution than risk anyone’s health while there is still so much uncertainty in our midst.
The other factor is the evolving government and health agency direction and guidance for arts centers across the country. At this time, no clear path has been set when we would be allowed to reopen to the public, as well as what restrictions would then be placed on operations and occupancy limitations. We had to acknowledge that we could still go into the many weeks of production and performance, and then face disruption from unforeseen changes in the health climate, thereby creating and even greater negative financial impact and drain. With what we know today, the risk would simply be too great.
You are so important to us, not only as patrons, but as friends and allies of the Arts Center, and we appreciate all of your continued support.
Many of you recently donated your ticket value for Kinky Boots, upon its postponement to the fall, and we’d like to thank you for that incredibly generous act. You will all be listed as donors in our next OnCenter magazine.
Once again, we make an appeal to your spirit of generosity. Transferring the value of your ticket for Footloose to a donation directly supports the Arts Center during these challenging times.
Specifically, the Following Options Are Available:
- Donate your ticket for this one show and receive a tax deduction for its value.
- Credit your ticket value towards a future Arts Center performance.
- Receive a gift card for the value of your ticket.
- Request a refund. (Please allow 5–6 weeks for checks to be processed and mailed.)
Please understand that the box office is not staffed on-site, but we will be contacting you directly, and requests will be processed remotely. Thank you for your patience as we work through this challenging time.
While our stage is quiet for now, the board and staff are choosing to focus on hope instead of disappointment as we remain busy preparing for our comeback hopefully in the near future. We are actively planning and securing new productions, community events, and great performances for our 25th Anniversary Season. All have been working remotely in order to keep your Arts Center moving forward. Our facility team has been cleaning and sanitizing our venue so that you have the assurance of a safe environment when you return.