Members, patrons, casts, crew, and the theatre community
As you all can no doubt appreciate, it has been very difficult to determine the best way forward in these turbulent times. As you are already aware, the Theatre Kent board had to make the very difficult decision to delay the final production of our 2019/2020 season due to the Covid-19 shutdown of all performance venues and the general safety of everyone involved. Moving forward, we are trying to decide how best to proceed with our 2020/2021 season. On one hand, we love live theatre and cannot imagine not producing a 43rd season with you and for you, our loyal supporters. On the other hand, we want to be wise in regard to everyone’s safety and well being. While we had tentatively approved a full season to begin in the fall, it would seem that at this time it is not wise to hit the boards with those plans. We have spoken with the directors and producers of the shows who we were so excited to present to you and they understand and support our decision as we hope you do also. Because everything is currently in a state of flux, we want to remain nimble and we will not be nailing down specific dates or shows at this time. Depending on when and how the current situation unfolds, we are hopeful that the shows that we had planned may still be able to be produced, but our time-lines will not be as originally planned.
The board has also made the decision that Calendar Girls, our last show of the 2019/2020 season, which was supposed to have been presented at the beginning of May, will be the first show that we endeavour to produce on stage once it is sensible and appropriate to do so. We would like to recognize the fine efforts of the directors and actors, many of whom were new to stage performance, as well as the props and costume departments for their hard work in bringing this lively and engaging production to life. This show will be well worth the wait.
Everyone who had purchased tickets for Calendar Girls should now have received a refund; if this is not the case, please contact us immediately at theatrekent@gmail.com and we will look into the delay.
As always, we appreciate your unfailing support and understanding during these challenging times. We hope you and your families are staying safe and happy and we look forward to seeing you in the theatre again soon. In the meantime, we are considering alternative ways to keep theatrical performance alive while practicing social distancing. Stay tuned for further updates as they become available.
Theatre Kent Board of Directors