 To our Patrons, Artists, Supporters and all members of the Theatre on the Ridge community,
As the situation around the Coronavirus (COVID-19) evolves rapidly, the response from Theatre on the Ridge at this time is to monitor and stay up to date with guidelines, recommendations and requirements of the federal, provincial and municipal governments and health authorities. We will assess and act on the situation as it evolves and the health and well-being of our communities, audiences, artists, staff and volunteers is of the highest priority. With these parameters in mind, we have made the difficult decision to cancel our participation in small town BIG: Scugog Arts Festival, scheduled for May 1 – 10. Even if public space and movement restrictions are lifted by that date, and the festival is able to proceed, the nature of our offerings is such, we are unable to rehearse or prepare for any of our 3 events at this time. Please note that, while our small town BIG dates are cancelled, the programs themselves (Stag and Doe, Monsters & Milfoil, and T’eatre, Tea and Treats) are only postponed and we plan to present them at a later date, yet to be determined. At this point we are also monitoring the longer term impact of Covid 19 on our Festival 2020 season. We are still hopeful that summer theatre will take place but, as we are all becoming increasingly aware, the status quo changes quickly almost daily, and we anticipate that some programming modifications may occur. We will keep all our community, particularly our patrons and artists, informed as promptly as possible of any significant changes to our summer plans. This is a difficult time for all of us, as individuals and for Theatre on the Ridge, with the arts being one of the sectors affected most immediately and profoundly by the current health crisis. The cancellation of our small town BIG events will have a decidedly negative impact on essential revenue generation needed to support our theatre work and community engagement. Thank you for your past support and I encourage you to continue and possibly even increase your commitment, not only to Theatre on the Ridge but to any arts organization in need. Donations of any size are extremely welcome at this time and can be made through CanadaHelps here. In theatre, and in life, action happens when ordinary people are thrown into extraordinary situations. In theatre, the outcome is either farce or transformation. In the real life drama that is now playing out globally, we are hoping for transformation. Best wishes, stay safe and be well.
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