Dear Department of Theatre and Dance Patrons,
Each summer we are excited to share our upcoming season schedule with you, but, as you know, this is not a typical summer, nor will we have a typical season. In place of a brochure of planned productions, we are giving you an insider’s update and asking for your support.
Currently, our dedicated faculty and staff are recrafting classes and a production schedule that will allow flexibility, ensure the health and safety of our students and safeguard the hands-on, learning opportunities that are essential to our program. More importantly, we are actively focusing on diversity, equity, inclusion and access in all areas of our Department (details at theatre.cofc.edu).
Student-centered, experiential learning is a hallmark of our Department and one we cannot sacrifice. We are acquiring new technology and the skills to use it so we can broadcast performances online in ways that do not violate production licenses. The current situation provides a real-life opportunity for our students to practice adaptability — a core skill taught in our programs.
We are navigating a complicated, unpredictable terrain, but, as the old saying goes, the show must go on. Through the end of December, if not longer, the show will go on without a live, in-person audience. This creates another puzzle to solve as our budget is funded in large part by season ticket subscriptions and individual ticket sales.
To preserve the student experience, we are asking you to make a tax-deductible contribution in the amount that you would typically spend on tickets, season subscriptions and/or your usual donation. Your support will fund our set construction, lighting, sound, costumes, essential equipment for filming/recording/streaming performances, and more. It will keep our student shop assistants employed in our shops, where they learn invaluable skills to prepare them for their careers in the arts.
I write this with full knowledge of the difficult economic circumstances facing our country and many of our alumni and friends. I recognize and respect that not all may be in a position to help at this time, but if you are able to, I hope this letter offers you an easy way to directly impact our students.
Our planning for the fall is still evolving, but we will get there – together – one step at a time, sharing an even tighter bond when we emerge on the other side. I am so grateful that you are a part of our arts community and look forward to the days when we can gather together again in the theatre in support of our students.
Yours sincerely,
Janine McCabe, Chair