The coronavirus has brought upon unprecedented disruptions for every walk of society. And while the dangers are to be taken seriously, some might argue that this pandemic makes going to a play a bit of a trivial act.
Maybe. But what is not trivial is the fact that the play is put on by tireless and motivated artists and companies, many who are hurting financially and otherwise as a result of these premature closings. It has been utterly heartbreaking to see every level of theatre affected by this call to protect public health, closings that are absolutely necessary, but painful nonetheless. Whether it was Broadway shutting their doors or a high school play that closed before it opened and everything in between, it’s been a rough few days to to be a theatre artist.
Somber video after video, sad instagram posts, a bazillion press releases to deliver more bad news and world premieres that were over before they started, March 11th and 12th has been unlike anything those of us who work in theatre have ever seen. Artists are driven by passion, and these last few days have been tough.
Here are some of my favorite tweets of the past few days that offer heartbreaking insight, inspiring words and some advice to help out. Theatre is resilient and always survives, so hopefully the healing takes place sooner than later.
If you have tickets to a show that has closed due to the pandemic, please consider donating your refund back to the theatre (if you have the means to do so). The arts in SF already get so little funding and theatre will be heavily impacted by these unfortunate cancellations.
— Krystle Piamonte (@kryspia) March 12, 2020
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TONI STONE and GLORIA are among the best productions I’ve ever been involved with. And each is a sterling example of the kind of work I got in this field to do. I’m holding all of the artists involved in my heart: I am grateful for for your exquisite work. https://t.co/J1N94Te3zw
— joy meads 🗽#LFG 🗽 (@capnjoy) March 12, 2020
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A thought for folks wanting to support theaters in this moment: SUBSCRIBE. So many new seasons just announced or about to be announced. Subscribe for yourself. Subscribe for your friends. This too shall pass.
— Eric Ting (@tingericting) March 13, 2020
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The Copper Children world premiere suspended at OSF and Destiny of Desire cancelled at Cincy Playhouse. Years of work writing and rewriting; my income depends on ticket sales. And yet, it’s the right thing to do. But I’m mourning for my actors and theaters and for joy postponed.
— Karen Zacarias (@KarenZacarias6) March 12, 2020
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Donate the ticket price to the non-profit theater instead of asking for a refund. We are going to need it bad.
— Lauren Gunderson (@LalaTellsAStory) March 12, 2020
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Emotionally and financially preparing for theaters across the country to be shut down. Mourning the beautiful work that will be lost. Alas protecting our practitioners & our audiences is essential.
— Lynn Nottage (@Lynnbrooklyn) March 12, 2020
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