There will not be an Opera Theatre season this year. The announcement from Opera Theatre of Saint Louis general director Andrew Jorgensen came via a video announcement to OTSL supporters yesterday.
“Normally the start of spring would find me busily preparing for our upcoming festival season, but that is not the case today,” Jorgensen said. “Instead, I am at home practicing social distancing, and like all of you, I’m following the news of the coronavirus with concern and taking appropriate precautions.”
Jorgensen said the decision to cancel OTSL’s 2020 Festival Season came following “difficult discussion” among members of the staff and board.
“Despite the fact that our costumes and set shops are already meant to be open and our rehearsal periods are now impossible because of the bans on gathering, I held out hope until very recently that we might adapt our season to present an abbreviated festival in June,” he said. “But it has become clear that it is no longer feasible.”
Jorgensen noted that while the pandemic has had “a devastating impact” on those who rely upon companies like OTSL for their livelihoods, it would not be safe to convene hundreds of artists, staff and audience members night after night.
Jorgensen said OTSL has committed to honoring 50% of the expected income for each of its 380 seasonal members — including singers, artisans, production crew and staff, front of house staff, administrative interns and members of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra — and will retain 100% of its year-round staff.
Ticket holders are being encouraged to convert their 2020 tickets into a tax-deductible donation in support of OTSL. Credit for the 2021 Festival Season and full or partial refunds will also be made available. Members of the board of directors have committed $500,000 to match the dollar value of every ticket donation made before June 30, according to Jorgensen, who also announced he is taking a voluntary 50% pay cut in support of the campaign.
For more information regarding the announcement, visit opera-stl.org
