Ruth Shepherd
The Arkansas Repertory Theatre has indefinitely suspended all programming activities, including productions, events and educational offerings, effective immediately.
“COVID-19 has had a significant, negative impact on The Rep’s two sources of income: ticket sales and donations,” Ruth Shepherd, chair of The Rep’s board, said in a news release.
Executive Artistic Director Will Trice added, “Professional, nonprofit theatres like The Rep are being hit especially hard by the fallout from this virus outbreak.
“We’re one of many local, small businesses who’ve been forced to shut their doors. Without public gatherings, we can’t create nor sell tickets to our shows. We’re also a nonprofit organization that is even more dependent on donations from corporations and individual supporters, who are themselves affected by the stalled economy and volatility in the stock market,” he said.
“This double whammy is causing theaters across the country to lay off employees or suspend operations,” Trice continued. “While some theatres have endowments or other back-stops to rely on, The Rep is only just beginning to get back on its feet and we simply don’t have the resources to weather this storm and fully rebound in the near-term.”
Shepherd also said, “The Rep Board will use this time to strategically plan for reopening The Rep, as conditions permit, under a sustainable business model. With that, we are actively assessing what this suspension of operations means for our staff,” Shepherd said in the release.
Patrons who have purchased tickets for any canceled events or programs may receive a refund or may transfer the associated cost to a tax-deductible donation to The Rep.
In addition, Trice said, “To all those supporters who have donated in the past couple of weeks, thank you. Your support has made it possible for our staff members to keep their jobs as long as they have. The Rep’s ability to sustain its ongoing limited operation and eventual return to regular programming depends on continued community support during these uncertain times.”
All gifts will be used to sustain ongoing staff members and meet ongoing fixed expenses, such as utilities.
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