Dear Members,

This weekend saw more shifts in the city and state’s responses to the Coronavirus outbreak. We want to continue to reach out as we have updates on the rapidly changing situation.

Yesterday, New York City Mayor Bill De Blasio announced that he will be signing an Executive Order limiting restaurants, bars, and cafes to food take-out and delivery and requiring the closure of nightclubs, movie theaters, small theater houses, and concert venues as of Tuesday, March 17 at 9:00 AM. And this morning, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that gatherings of more than 50 people are banned throughout the state. With these notices, some clarity has been provided to smaller theatres who had questions following the large venue closures announced last week. Now that the city and state have required the closure of theatres of all sizes, you should review your insurance agreements to understand how this closing order might affect your ability to make a claim. 

Also over the weekend, the New York State Unemployment Insurance Office announced that they are waiving the 7-day waiting period for applications. You can file a claim here.

While this is a constantly changing and shifting time, we are deeply encouraged by how our community of nonprofit theatres and theatre-makers are coming together to support each other, find new opportunities, and share resources. We are hosting a resource page on our website with information ranging from financial assistance to resources for sharing your work via online platforms and support for moving to working remotely. If you have resources that should be added to the page, please reach out to Communications Manager Bo Suh at [email protected]. 

We are here for you throughout this unprecedented time. Most of us are working with reduced staff at the office or from home. Change is always difficult; change with isolation is emotionally draining. Roundtables will continue and we are going to reach out about rescheduling those that were cancelled.

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me, Director of Programs Corinne Woods, or anyone on the A.R.T./New York team with any thoughts on how we can support you, your artists, and staff. 

All the best,

Ginny Louloudes, Executive Director
[email protected]

Corinne Woods,
Director of Programs [email protected]