Theatre Harrisburg to Suspend Remainder of 2019-20 Season

Decision aims to conserve resources, mitigate impact of COVID-19 closures

To the Theatre Harrisburg Community,

Since 1926, a generous community has sustained Theatre Harrisburg (founded as Harrisburg Community Theatre), as a regional performing arts treasure through attendance and generous financial support. While our community-centered and staged productions and theater education programs are the reasons for our being, our audiences and financial supporters are the lifeblood of our operations.

Without an audience we have neither a reason nor the means with which to do our work.

The Coronavirus emergency and its impact on daily life has affected all arts organizations, as well as countless other small businesses, and poses what is perhaps Theatre Harrisburg’s greatest challenge in many decades. It has made audiences unavailable and unable to attend our productions. As a result, it has jeopardized 54% of our operating income that comes from ticket sales, sponsorships, and other forms of production revenue.

In order to mitigate the immediate and short-term impact of the emergency, and to protect the future interests of Theatre Harrisburg, the Board of Directors has decided to suspend the remainder of the 2019-20 Season (including productions of “Singin’ in the Rain” and “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike”). The suspension also includes the furlough of several staff members through the rest of the current season.

The business office will remain open in order to maintain basic operations. The office number is (717) 232-5501. Information for those holding tickets for upcoming productions will be forthcoming.

The 2020 Arts Awards event honoring Jeff Woodruff and TheBurg, scheduled for Sunday, May 31, is under review. More information will be forthcoming.

In announcing the actions, Board Chair David Schankweiler said, “Theatre Harrisburg has been enriching the community for 94 years. We are grateful for the ongoing generosity of volunteers, theater-goers, and financial supporters that have always shared our mission to be an outlet for creative expression, affordable theater experiences, and theater education. We ask for everyone’s understanding and continued support as we navigate this crisis and look ahead to a return to normalcy — and more great local theater.”