Coronavirus, Performance Cancellations, and Congressional Action
The Coronavirus presents a serious health risk, as well as considerable challenges to theatres. As conveners who bring people together to experience live performance, we must consider how to do so in a way that protects our audiences, staff, and artists. The impact of the Coronavirus is variable and rapidly changing in communities across the country.
As Congress and the Administration consider some form of federal economic assistance that may be targeted or widespread, theatres are urged to join others in the arts and nonprofit sectors that are speaking up to ensure that relief will meet all community needs.
- In the interest of public health and in compliance with local health advisories, many theatres are canceling or curtailing performances, educational offerings, and other public events.
- Theatres and theatre artists are vital contributors to the nonprofit sector and important to the economy of the communities they serve.
- Theatres and theatre artists are already experiencing the unexpected loss of event-dependent revenue and declines in charitable contributions and this could grow over time.
- Federal relief in response to the Coronavirus should ensure that the needs of nonprofit arts organizations and theatre artists are addressed.
We urge you to take action through our online campaign to Congress and also to contact House and Senate local district staff. Please be as specific as you can about the current and projected impact on your theatre. Congress needs to hear from as many constituents as possible that Coronavirus relief should be made accessible to nonprofit arts organizations and to artists.
As opportunities for federal relief do become available, your elected officials will likely be key partners in helping you to gain access, so it is doubly important to cultivate these relationships now by initiating a conversation on this topic.
TCG has assembled resources relating to Coronavirus and has held a Webinar that you can access here. We will also share any developing news relating to possible federal relief.
Thank you, and please stay in touch with Laurie Baskin at lbaskin@tcg.org Take Action Now!as you communicate with Congress!
Thank you to all for your ongoing advocacy on behalf of the theatre field. TCG relies on its membership to raise your voices and tell your lawmakers about the important role of the arts in your community!