Arts Alive! collects and shares the stories of the arts community in the Monadnock region. These are unprecedented times and there are unprecedented things happening in the arts world. The coronavirus pandemic is pushing change and moving arts leaders to rethink their models of stability and connection. In this account, we hear from The Peterborough Players, a professional theatre, founded in 1933, and located in the small town of Peterborough, New Hampshire. Here is a message from their staff:
At the end of April, we shared the unfortunate news that, due to the ongoing health concerns related to COVID-19 and recommendations issued by health officials, we will not be able to produce our 2020 summer season.
This decision was not made lightly, but was eased by our strong belief that the health and safety of our community - patrons, donors, volunteers, staff, and artists alike - is our top priority. You've taken care of us for 87 years. Let us do the same for you.The Players will remain closed for now, but this is simply an intermission. With your gracious help and support, we've weathered many a storm in the past and come out on the other side. We take this hiatus in anticipation of a joyful return to the stage, with everyone healthy and well, sometime in the future. We very much look forward to reopening and welcoming you back to the theatre as soon as it is safe to gather. Our staff loves the Players every bit as much as you do. Our small but dedicated team is working hard to make the appropriate accommodations for this unexpected change, and appreciates the patience of our patrons. We will reach out to anyone who has already purchased subscriptions for the summer to ensure that your purchase is handled in the way that feels best to you. We only ask for your patience as we take the time to make this contact with the care that it deserves. We are very grateful for your support and patience during this challenging time.We will, of course, keep you updated on all the latest from the Players as we know more about our situation. We'll share news through our eblasts, on our social media channels, and on our website.
We are offering Bright Spots - messages from our community that bring keep the spirit of the Players active during this unique time. Until we're all together again, spend time with some of your favorite Peterborough Players from the comfort and safety of your own home.
We know it's a difficult time for many folks. If you're able, your gracious donation will help us make new memories together in the future. While it’s never expected, it’s always appreciated, especially now.We want to leave you with a few thoughts...During this time, please take care of yourself and others. Reach out to your friends and family. Think of the amazing people keeping things running day-to-day, and the incredible healthcare workers and public servants giving everything to keep us all safe.
And then, from time to time, think of your favorite Players memory - be it a play that broke your heart or made you think or laugh out loud, a post-show cabaret that brought you joy, a warm and cozy winter reception by the fire, or simply meeting friends, at intermission on the patio on a summer night, to chat about the evening's performance.
That will all be back. We can't wait for it, either. With endless gratitude for your many years of love and support, Your Peterborough Players -
Gus Kaikkonen, Artistic Director
Keith Stevens, Managing Director
Beth Brown, Advancement Director
Joanne Stevens, Operations Manager
Bridget Beirne, Marketing Director
Peterborough Players is New Hampshire’s premiere professional regional theater. Known for an annual Summer Season consisting of 7 main stage productions and 2 children’s shows, the Players also now produces a 3-play Winter Season and continues to offer the Arts on Screen series that includes screenings of renowned performances from the Met: Live in HD and London’s National Theatre. The Players enriches the human experience by producing quality live professional theatre, developing and training theatre artists, and offering New Hampshire a wide variety of performing arts events. Peterborough Players is sponsored in part by the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information please visit Peterborough Players, 55 Hadley Road, Peterborough, NH 03458 or www.peterboroughplayers.org