New Conservatory Theatre Center, one of the countries busiest LGBTQ-focused performing arts groups, announced the cancellation of its Fall 2020 season, but some online programs will continue, with the hope of reopening in 2021.
In a press statement, NCTC Founder and Artistic Director Ed Decker said, "In response to the latest guidelines and information from local and state public health authorities, NCTC has, with much regret, canceled the remainder of the 2019-20 Season. This included three productions, including the world premiere of The Book of Mountains and Seas, Sugar in Our Wounds and Fun Home. While letting go is often the hardest thing to do it is often the surest path towards moving on."
NCTC, housed in a city-owned building at 25 Van Ness Ave., was one of the first San Francisco arts nonprofits to close its doors at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you are a ticket holder, the staff asks that you contact the Box Office at [email protected] or (415) 861-8972 to donate your tickets or receive a refund on your purchase.
NCTC's Conservatory classes have transitioned to online learning via Zoom with a selection of new options added. Offsite and After School classes are on hold until further notice. Please contact Conservatory Director Stephanie Temple at [email protected] with any questions.
"Moving forward means investing in our future, and we hope you will do so as well to keep our work's vision alive for the community," said Decker. "Recovery won't be easy but with your help it will most certainly be possible."
While planning to keep their theatres dark for the rest of 2020, they're still hoping to produce some live theatre in the spring or summer of 2021, if health and safety allow.
The company still accepts donations for its hopeful reopening. In the meantime, online programs include:
In Good Company by Eric Reyes Loo, Jewelle Gomez, Laurel Ollstein, Tim Pinckney and Elyzabeth Gregory Wilder, an Episodic Series Podcast, with 10 episodes airing weekly starting August 24.
The Law of Attraction by Patricia Milton, a Radio Play World Premiere that airs October 2020.
Interlude (working title) by Harrison David Rivers, a World Premiere Play for Broadcast (Format TBD), that airs November 2020.
A Queer Holiday Extravaganza a Live Stream Variety Show that airs December 2020.
NCTC's weekly livestream on Fridays, NCTV: Live at Five, includes playwright interviews, drag trivia, cabaret performances and more. You can also dig into our favorite resources for joy at home including film and book recommendations, exercise links, recipes, and free online courses.
Future online programs at https://www.nctcsf.org/NCTV will continue, including cabaret shows with Katya Smirnoff-Skyy.