HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Two local performing arts groups have canceled upcoming events and workshops and are reaching out to patrons with a request.
Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater & Academy, which produces kid-centric and family-friendly shows and works with local schools to bring children into theater, is suspending all services. This includes classes, camps, performances, set & costume construction, auditions, outside facility rentals, fundraisers, special events, touring shows, and operation of their office and costume shop.
Refunds for these cancellations could have a serious impact on the non-profit's operating budget, and they are striving to keep paying staff, teachers, and artists during this crisis. They are asking for tax deductible donations to help keep the doors open when the COVID-19 emergency is over.
Executive Director Karen Mockensturm says, “We desperately miss our students, audiences, and volunteers and look forward to the day when we have productions in rehearsal, classes in session, and performers back on the road.”
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The Huntsville Symphony Orchestra has also cancelled concerts and events scheduled through May 3. Previously, cancellations were through March 31. The changes are due to restrictions on large events to help reduce the spread of the Coronavirus.
New cancellations:
Concerts:
- The Music Gene on April 26
- Poem of Ecstasy on May 2
Events:
- Master Class on May 1
- Music Explorers Club on May 2
- Sneak Previews on May 2
The HSO encourages ticketholders to donate their tickets back to the HSO and receive a tax receipt, or exchange their tickets for a voucher to be used through the 20-21 season. Refunds will also be available for all patrons with tickets to cancelled concerts. If you have tickets to one of the above cancelled concerts, please fill out the form on their website at HSO.org/coronavirus. You can also email info@hso.org with questions.
By turning ticket purchases into a donation, the organization says that patrons help the professional community-supported orchestra survive as an arts nonprofit during this time as we all navigate the ongoing impact of Coronavirus.
Patrons are encouraged to fill out the form online if they have tickets to one of the cancelled concerts on April 26 or May 2. If they don’t receive a response within 7 days after the concert date, tickets will automatically be turned into a tax-deductible donation.
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