A LETTER FROM SCT MANAGING DIRECTOR REGARDING COVID-19

Dear SCT Community,

Over the last week, we have shared a number of messages with our community about the steps we are taking in the midst of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak, and how it affects our patron’s experience. If you have attended a production of Snow White, are an active Drama School family, or are hosting one of our Arts Based Learning touring productions, much of this message revisits updates shared on our blog. As we learn more every day, it is important that the broader community understands our efforts to keep our patrons and families safe.

This is a rapidly evolving situation. We are staying in close communication with King County public health authorities and CDC, and will follow their directions. Unless otherwise directed by these officials, as of March 9 we remain open, and all performances and activities will continue as scheduled. This includes the final performances of Snow White, the upcoming opening of The Best Summer Ever!, and Drama School camps and classes.
 
Here’s how we are making our patron’s experience safer:

• Making individual decisions on performances and school visits based on our partners and information from public health officials.
  
• Implemented hand-sanitizing stations throughout our building and increased theatre sanitization before and after each performance.
  
• Asking those who are unwell or are high risk to stay home, and we’re waiving fees for patrons to rebook into another performance this or next season. The CDC recommends that vulnerable populations include people 60 and older, people with underlying health conditions including heart disease, lung disease or diabetes, people who have weakened immune systems, and people who are pregnant.
• Respectfully asking those who have been to or through CDC identified level III countries—who have not undergone the 14-day quarantine period—to not engage our theatre at this time.  

 
COVID-19 is already proving to have a significant impact on the arts sector. Like many, SCT provides a space for hope, inspiration, and courage to take root, and we need you to help strengthen our efforts during this difficult time.

How can you help? Our friends at Arts Fund suggest one of these ways:

• Stay informed. If you have plans to attend an arts and cultural activity, check that organization’s social media and website for updates and communications. If you are at greater risk of illness or feel uncomfortable attending events, please stay home. The latest updates from King County Public Health can be found here.
  
• If you choose to stay home from arts and cultural events that you previously purchased tickets for, consider donating your unused ticket back to the organization. Transferring your ticket purchase to a donation supports arts organizations' futures in an uncertain time.
  
• Share a message of support on social media.

When one arts organization succeeds, we all do. Simply, we are better together. If maintaining Seattle’s robust cultural landscape is important to you, I urge you to consider the significant impact you can have by identifying one or two of your top arts and cultural organizations and making a gift—perhaps in the amount of what you would have spent on a ticket to see a show.

I thank you for your continued patience and support as we listen to our public health officials and educational partners, and determine the best way to continue serving young people during this time. For updates on SCT’s evolving position on COVID-19, please visit our blog.

Sincerely,

Kevin Malgesini
Managing Director