Press release from the Parkway Playhouse:
As an organization whose heart and soul is about bringing people together, the pandemic is challenging us in many ways and we are adapting to those challenges as best we can. In times like these, it is even more important than ever that we stay connected. Stories, old and new, need to be shared, songs need to be sung and heard, knowledge needs to be shared. All of the artists associated with Parkway Playhouse are determined to do all of the above so we can support our community through a difficult time.
We will be providing weekly (and sometimes more frequent) updates on life at Parkway Playhouse for you. You’ll be able to access these updates via emails, our website, and all of our social media channels, as well as the newspaper.
In just the last week, Parkway Playhouse staff implemented a plan to continue to deliver our theatre education classes using video conferencing. All of the students have responded very positively to this big change with their typical flexibility and open-mindedness. Our intention is to continue with online classes as long as we need to. In addition to the current class offerings, we are exploring additional classes that we might be able to offer if kids continue to have to stay out of school.
One of our greatest challenges as a theater is how to handle in-person performances. We have been very thoughtful and methodical in our decision making process in this regard. With so much new information swirling around we are trying to avoid any “knee jerk” reactions; rather, we have had discussions with our board, other theater leaders, health professionals and community leaders. One thing is clear now: we need to be prepared to adapt as the pandemic changes. Given the current restrictions on group gatherings, we know we will not be able to present Frozen, Jr. and Into The Woods this season. These are the first two presentations that were on our 2020 schedule. In approximately two weeks we will make decisions regarding other productions for the 2020 season and let you know about those.
As a country we are facing a devastating economic time as you well know. Parkway Playhouse is feeling that devastation as well. Staff is actively exploring all types of government and private assistance that might be available now and in the future. Part of our financial picture has always been the generous support of individual donors and we need those now more than ever. Please consider making a donation or renewing your membership now if you have not done so already. This can be done via our website, parkwayplayhouse.com.
Parkway Playhouse has been around almost 75 years and we look forward to at least 75 more. With your support we will continue to provide our services to the community and position ourselves to be in strong financial shape when we get past this crisis. Our focus now is to stay healthy and keep our young people growing as artists. Much more to come very soon.
Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Jeff Bachar
Executive Director
Parkway Playhouse
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