Folks –
Hi again everyone, I hope this July message finds you healthy and staying strong!

So, we got some exciting news this week from the health authorities about Stage 3 opening. Theatres were given the green light to re-open for audiences! Well, maybe re-open was a bit of an exaggeration (sigh): no more than 50 people, and full implementation of all the health and safety protocols. But, at least now there is now a glimmering light at the end of the tunnel, and yes, some slight excitement is building, but…

So what does this “re-opening” mean for your Little Theatre?
To put it simply, just because you CAN do something doesn’t mean you SHOULD!

For us, the “green” light is more of a “yellow” light – a cautious re-thinking of the potential for exciting live theatre again sometime. For us, 50 people per night might bring more risk than reward.

Let me try and explain – we have two primary concerns: one, the safety and comfort of everyone in the audience and of all our volunteers on-stage and out front of the “house”; and two, that our productions at least break even for the sustainability of the theatre. Given those criteria, I think we are still a ways from re-opening:

  • because our shows are pretty well pre-sold to subscribers – on average 250 people for every performance – 50 doesn’t work easily. We would have to extend the “run” of each production from 14 nights to a couple of months, to allow everyone who holds a ticket back into their seats
  • everyone entering the building would likely be required to line up for the health questions, provide information for contact tracing, and maybe have their temperature taken, etc
  • masks and physical distance would still be maintained for everyone – except performers who would be at some risk – think of staged fighting and warm embraces
  • everyone would have to head directly to assigned seats, not much social in the social distancing
    the bar service, before show or at intermission, might be an issue- given plexiglas, and gloves and masks, and money, space and distancing
  • washrooms would have to be staffed to ensure access limits and sanitation precautions
    the theatre would have to ensure full sanitization protocols before and after every show
    many more volunteers would have to be trained (and possible more recruited)
  • etc, etc …

All of that means that your evening and your experience at the theatre would have to change, and probably not for the better. So I believe, if we “open” too soon, we might risk making what should normally be a relaxing, fun and enjoyable experience into something just plain stressful for all. The theatre can’t be sustained if the experience we offer is anything less than delightful, or at the least a welcome escape from the reality of day-to-day living.

From where I sit, while we are getting closer and the “green light” is beckoning, we are not yet prepared to put our guests, or volunteers, or our building at risk; nor are we really able handle the additional costs.

Believe me, we are all chomping at the bit to get back into action, but for now maybe we need to be cautious, and just watch what happens as Phase 3 progresses and the impact on indoor spaces are better understood.

With that, below is a summation of where we are at this point and what we see on the horizon. Stay well and take care of each other – hope to see you soon.

BURN
A mystery/thriller written by John Muggleton and directed by Venetia Lawless
This production is currently on stage – literally. The set is in place and is a great working space that is well-lit and includes an interesting soundscape. The cast is still fully committed to the show and continue to run lines to be prepared to take the stage with just two weeks notice. Burn had one preview performance before the theatre closed and was very well received by the audience who bought tickets to raise funds for local charity.

WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION
A courtroom drama/mystery by Agatha Christie, directed by Geoff Gruson
The production is stage ready as the cast had already been in rehearsals for for 2 months, prior to close-down. The large cast is fully committed to carrying on and continue working on lines and characters. The set is designed and ready to be built with many pieces already in-place in the wings. It’s a can’t wait for our Agatha Audiences!

THE COLUMNIST
An edgy cold-war America drama by David Auburn, directed by Sarah Hearn
This show had been well cast with fully engaged actors and crew members and had begin rehearsals when the theatre closed down. The rehearsal hall is still set up with blocking and set pieces and the whole team is itching to get back to work on this piece.

STAG AND DOE
A hilarious Canadian farce by Mark Crawford, directed by Stavros Sakiadis
The director and production team are in place and look forward to holding open auditions as soon as we are able to do so.

See you soon at the Theatre
– Geoff