The Troy Civic Theatre board of directors has been closely following the Covid-19 (SARS-CoV-2) situation affecting our communities since the initial shut-down announcements in March. After recent conversations with the Ohio Department of Health, several meetings with board members, and gathering feedback and input from our members, season ticket holders, sponsors, and patrons, the board has made decisions regarding the 2020-2021 theatre season.
The postponed production of the Jones, Hope, Wooten comedy THE HALLELUJAH GIRLS (previously planned for May 2020) will be going forward in August. The show will be presented August 7-9, 14-16, 2020, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm, Sundays at 2 pm, and with added Saturday matinee performances, also at 2 pm. All 2019-20 season ticket holders will be able to use their tickets. However, due to social distancing, you may not be able to retain your usual seats or performances. We will be asking that season ticket holders please confirm the dates they wish to attend and number in their party by late July, in order for proper seating to be provided. More information will be coming to season ticket holders from our box office personnel regarding requirements and recommendations.
The TCT board also plans to continue with the previously announced 2020-2021 season, starting with DADDY’S DYIN’, WHO’S GOT THE WILL in September, directed by Michael Schumacher. The Del Shores comedy will be followed in November by the touching Sean Grennan drama, THE TIN WOMAN, directed by Niccole SueAnn Wallace. March 2021 will offer the uproarious Jones, Hope, Wooten farce, FARCE OF HABIT, directed by Steve Dietrich. The 2020-21 season will conclude with the hit musical BONNIE AND CLYDE, directed by Derek Dunavent. Season ticket flyers will be going out to all current season ticket holders soon, and season tickets will be available for purchase during THE HALLELUJAH GIRLS performances. As the extent of social distancing and gathering limits for the future is still now known, previously preferred seating may not be available.
The board of directors is as committed to keeping our audiences and members safe as we are to providing quality entertainment. To this end, we are continuing to talk to the Ohio and Miami County Departments of Health for their guidance regarding requirements and recommendations for live theatre, and setting our policies and procedures for these upcoming productions accordingly. We ask for your continued patience as we work towards making these important decisions, and set up a fluid seating plan that will also meet the needs and preferences of our audience members.
While we do not have everything set yet, the board is creating a plan for chair placement that can be altered depending on the size of the audiences (currently anticipated to be 25-30 audience members per performance). Protocols regarding intermission, entrance into the theatre, seating, and dismissing the audience at the end of the performance are still being discussed, and will be announced as decisions are being made. Use of masks or face coverings by audience members will be strongly encouraged, hand sanitizer will be available for everyone entering the theatre, and a cleaning protocol for before and after performances will include frequent disinfecting of all hard surfaces, as well as a plan to spray down the entire theatre with hypochlorous acid (HOCL), commonly used as a disinfectant spray in dental offices and hospitals.
The TCT board of directors wishes to thank all our members and audiences for their continued support, and their patience and understanding as we navigate these uncharted waters. We will make announcements as information is available and policies are set. We look forward to seeing you at the Barn!
Behind the Curtain Cincinnati 