With so much still unknown about the lasting effects of COVID-19 on the performing arts, the singular Washington Performing Arts (WPA) has delayed announcing its 2020–21 season until June 15, 2020. “We ask for your patience with this later-than-usual season rollout as we finalize details amid the coronavirus crisis,” said Jenny Bilfield, President and CEO.
WPA is taking a transparent approach before making that public announcement, actively gathering input. “As we anticipate our upcoming season,” Bilfield said, “we know that it’s important to consider all the factors that will allow us to safely and sustainably mobilize our mission, onstage and throughout our community and educational programs.”
The delay in firming up the 2020–21 season permits the WPA to gather information “from artists, managers and agents, performance venues and presenting partners, public health professionals and scientists, and our local and federal government,” noted Bilfield.
The WPA is seeking feedback from its patrons and interested parties before finalizing the upcoming season. That includes conducting a series of three virtual town hall meetings May 12, 2020, “to share” thoughts and gather feedback to “help inform our planning,” Bilfield said.
“Washington Performing Arts is anchored by an extraordinary community of artists, patrons, partners, and lifelong learners—people and organizations who are part of our history and our future,” Bilfield added.
“Our Town Halls provide us with a way of reaching out widely, in dialogue and with transparency, especially as we shape our plans for the time ahead. Washington Performing Arts has always sought to be impactful and inclusive, true to our founder Patrick Hayes’s mantra: ‘Everybody in, nobody out.'”
Registration is required for the Tuesday, May 12, town halls on Zoom. Each will cover the same information from the WPA President and CEO Jenny Bilfield. “I look forward to seeing people’s faces, and hearing their voices,” said Bilfield.
To register for a town hall, go to one of these links:
1 p.m. session
2:30 p.m session
4 p.m. session
For a downloadable PDF with FAQs about the WPA related to its response to COVID-19, click here.
Tax-deductible contributions can be made at the Washington Performing Arts website.
