Dear members and patrons,

We want to update you on changes in plans for the Art Center Theatre for the upcoming season, but first we want to thank you for your patronage and support.

We want to particularly thank those generous donors who have contributed to help the Art Center manage through this unprecedented period that has forced temporary closure and almost complete loss of income. Between the cash reserves we had on hand, support of donors, renegotiation of our existing mortgage and a Small Business Administration loan we have structured our finances to meet the changed circumstances and remain financially viable.

Again, thank you for your continued support.

When we closed this spring, we first postponed productions for a short time. We then canceled productions through the summer, with the intent of resuming normal operations this fall.

Since that time, however, it has become increasingly clear that so long as we have the level of infection now prevalent in the state and the county we cannot present the plays originally scheduled for this fall and winter in a way that provides a safe environment for our patrons and volunteers.

For that reason, we made the difficult decision to move the plays originally scheduled for this season to the upcoming 2021-22 season. They will be presented in the same order, and on approximately the same dates, as they were scheduled for this season.

In the place of plays originally scheduled for this season, we will put on the stage a variety of productions that will include but not be limited to, smaller cast plays and musicals, monologues and monologue competitions, virtual productions, radio plays, readings and production of original works by local writers, and other activities that limit the number of people involved in presenting and attending the production.

A team of volunteers is working to develop and schedule productions for the upcoming season. Information about upcoming events will be on our website and on social media pages as it is developed.

Because of the varied nature of the productions we will not sell season tickets for this season. Instead, each show will be priced individually. Seating will be arranged to maintain social distancing. This means fewer tickets for each production. Season ticket holders will maintain their right to their regular seats if they renew for 21-22 season regardless of their ticket activity this coming season.

This is a challenging time for theaters and live performance venues. With the support of our members and patrons, we will get through this and get back to presenting the kind of quality dramas, comedies and musicals that our patrons expect and our volunteers want to present.

Again, thank you for your support and for your understanding.

Mac Harris

For the Executive Board