We hosted two wonderful Webinars this week: one with Donors and one with our Broadway Subscribers.
For those not on these calls, I wanted to offer a brief update on what is happening at the Peace Center.
Let me begin by saying: "this is what we know today." COVID-19 has turned the live entertainment industry upside down, and the reality is everything is constantly changing . . . tours and schedules are a complete moving target. This includes Broadway productions as well as single night events.
Broadway
Last August the Peace Center announced that its fabulous FY21 Broadway season was being postponed until April 2021. Unfortunately, this time frame has since lengthened, and it will likely be September 2021 before the Peace Center sees the return of Broadway. Our goal is to deliver every show that was announced last March. So far 8 of the 10 presentations are rescheduled for the 2021-2022 season, with two new shows being added. The 2 productions that did not get rescheduled will actually take place in the 2022-2023 season. The 2021-2022 series titles and dates will likely be announced this coming February.
Single Night Events
There is similar disruption in the business of single night presentations. Most artists will not be touring in the short term. Many of the "big" tours which you have come to love, and always look forward to seeing, have been delayed until the late summer or fall. Of course, we hope there will be exceptions along the way. And if they can be booked and managed safely, we look forward to bringing these offerings to you as soon as possible.
If you have tickets to an upcoming show and have not been offered clarity on that event's status, it is because we do not have that clarity either. When a show cancels outright, you will be notified and offered a refund, or the opportunity to donate the value of your tickets as a tax-deductible contribution. The Peace Center is actively working with agents on rescheduling many of the single night shows. When dates are successfully secured, and should you choose, your tickets will remain valid for the new date.
What we do know
Your tickets'' monies are safely segregated. This is your money until the show happens, whether it is for Broadway or a single night presentation. (The good news for Broadway subscribers is that your new season has been pretty much paid for!) Any requests for refunds will be respectfully honored. It is understandable you are getting impatient, and please know we are, too.
What we ask
More than anything we hope you will trust us. We are here to work with you and accommodate your needs. Your patronage and our relationship with you is the most precious resource we have.
Please be patient. COVID-19 has completely disrupted our industry, and we are doing our very best to deal with it.
Consider becoming a donor. Generous philanthropy will allow the Peace Center to hold the line and be ready to fully reopen as soon as touring shows and artists are available once again. Click here to learn more.
Let me conclude with an invitation to join us for one of our concerts in Genevieve's. They offer an "almost normal" live entertainment experience and have featured some extraordinary artists from Nashville and the surrounding region.
I remain incredibly optimistic COVID-19 will be conquered in the new year, and that we will again find joy in our collective live entertainment experiences. The Peace Center promises to successfully manage through this long business interruption and be ready for your return.
Based on my observation, people can hardly wait to experience the live arts once again, so I am not at all worried about audiences' willingness to come back to the theatre. And when the "moon and stars" once again align for our industry, I assure you the Peace Center's next 30 years will be even more exciting than the past 30!
Count on us to periodically be in touch with updates.
In the meantime, please stay well and enjoy your holidays!
Sincerely yours,

Megan Riegel, President and CEO
The Peace Center
P.S. To learn about the Peace Center's current COVID-19 precautions, please click here.
|