After exhaustive deliberations and at the advice and counsel of our organization’s chief advisors, Williamstown Theatre Festival will not be able to move forward with the 2020 summer season in Williamstown as planned.
In compliance with Massachusetts Governor Baker’s orders issued on March 23, 2020, combined with the effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and anticipated measures at the Federal, State, and local level, we are unable to proceed with the theatre season in Williamstown at this time. This is a very difficult situation for everyone at the Festival. In the event the Governor’s or other Civil Authority’s positions or requirements are amended or updated, we will let you know if these changes affect our ability to mount the season in Williamstown, as planned.
2020 Season Ticket Bundle holders will be contacted via email detailing how Bundle purchases may be converted into a donation, credit voucher, or refund.
A NOTE FROM THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Dear Friends,
Anyone who makes theatre and everyone who makes going to the theatre a central endeavor to their lives shares one unspoken truth: we believe in humanity. We believe that in the dark, among a large group of people breathing the same air, a theatrical experience can elevate, entertain, transport, reveal, unmask, even transform us. This shared truth has been cherished and practiced for all of human history: we share roots with our theatrical ancestors and branches with generations of theatrical storytellers to come.
We are all guessing about the immediate future right now—will it be safe to commune in large groups this summer, to share the same air in the theatre on Main Street, on Main Streets everywhere, all over the planet?
We don’t know.
But, as we are all still theatre makers and theatre lovers, we must hold onto our shared belief in humanity. Today, we are all working to flatten the curve, to slow the spread of a virus in order to save lives and buy time for the development and dissemination of a vaccine or cure or both. I, alongside almost everyone I talk or email or zoom with daily, believe we will succeed. We believe in humanity.
We will make the season of new work we planned to make. WTF is creating a season in collaboration with Audible, the world’s largest producer and provider of original spoken-word entertainment and audiobooks, in a format safe to elevate, entertain, transport, reveal, unmask and transform audiences from the comfort of their homes.* The stellar group of artists who planned to spend the summer in Williamstown, will deliver—with fearlessness and redoubled passion—on the promise they made to create this work for you. This virus might get to tell us what we cannot do but it does not get to dictate what we can do. The voices of these artists will be heard.
When we can, once again, come together in large groups, breathe the same air, and raise a majestic curtain on the ancient art we cherish, we will see you at the theatre. I am betting on humanity and I am certain we will arrive there together, ahead.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees of Williamstown Theatre Festival and the nearly seven generations of artists, artisans, apprentices, interns, managers, technicians, Guild members, Williams College and Williamstown community members, administrators and artistic leaders who are this Festival, thank you for standing with us.
Warmly,
Mandy Greenfield
Artistic Director
SUPPORT WILLIAMSTOWN THEATRE FESTIVAL
2020 VISION FUND
THE WAY FORWARD IS CLEAR
In order to ensure that Williamstown Theatre Festival can weather this storm and the next, providing dependable support for artists in times of prosperity as well as times of crisis, we must appeal to your generosity at this critical time. Members of Williamstown Theatre Festival’s Board leadership have provided seed funding to establish WTF’s 2020 Vision Fund, and we hope you will join them. If you were planning to purchase a ticket to a WTF production this summer, please consider making a contribution to the 2020 Vision Fund to support this urgent fundraising campaign. The future of Williamstown Theatre Festival, and the artists we are proud to call family, depends on you.
