As a response to and in compliance with State and Federal guidelines associated with COVID-19 precautions, the Commonweal Theatre in historic Lanesboro has remained closed since the end of March. In the midst of continued and prolonged uncertainty, Commonweal leadership along with the approval of the organization’s board of directors has decided to cancel the 2020 production season as regularly scheduled.
“We started the 2020 season with great enthusiasm,” says Commonweal Producing Artistic Director Hal Cropp. “We were experiencing a record number of season pass holders, a solid financial position and an exciting lineup of shows. It’s heartbreaking to realize that all of that has changed. Over half of our revenue,” he states, “comes from ticket sales. This loss of income is unprecedented and has upended the financial stability with which we began the year.” Commonweal season pass holders are strongly encouraged to donate the price of the pass back to the theatre or to keep that value in their account for use when the theatre is in a place to reopen. All donations to the organization are fully tax-deductible and additional breaks are available through the CARES act. Donation questions or concerns relating to season passes and donations can be directed to the Commonweal box office at (800) 657-7025 or tickets@commonwealtheatre.org.
While not producing work over the past few months, Commonweal ensemble members have been busy creating alternative programming. An original play by Catherine Glynn, The Root River Anthology, now appears as a radio play on the company’s website and a filmed version of Commonweal professional resident ensemble member Brandt Roberts’ original solo performance piece The Art of the Entertainer will debut in July. In August, the ensemble will move outdoors to present a wordless movement piece entitled My Eyes to Ask Again. “We are creating, maintaining our facilities, crafting plans for the future, and laying out a new path to financial stability,” Cropp concludes.
Commonweal leadership along with its board of directors will continue to monitor and reevaluate all production decisions as more information about COVID-19 develops. For more details on all Commonweal programming, up to date announcements and for donation purposes, please visit www.CommonwealTheatre.org.