From: Fox Tucson Theatre Box Office <info@foxtucsonmail.com>
Sent: Monday, July 6, 2020 10:36 AM
Subject: Fox Programming Suspended Through December 2020
Fox Tucson Theatre Programming Suspended through December 2020
These are challenging times for many individuals, businesses, and institutions in our community. They are challenging times for live performance and for The Fox. After carefully evaluating all options for the next six months, the Fox Tucson Theatre Board of Directors and Executive Director Bonnie Schock have made the difficult decision to officially suspend programming through December 2020.
We are filled with hope for the future when we will gather again, and committed to relaunching programming again when both public health and the operational conditions unique to large-scale live performance will allow. As of now, scheduled events in 2021 are expected to go forward.
With federal relief loan funds expired, earned revenue halted for the immediate future, and absorbing ongoing refunds related to 6 months worth of canceled or rescheduled events, The Fox will also further reduce staffing levels. A small team of four full-time employees (down from around forty before the pandemic) will prioritize continued customer service for our patrons and donors; loving care of our treasured, historic theatre; and preparation for a 2021 reopening.
The experience of gathering together is central to live performance and for venues like ours, the road to recovery is not a simple V shape. Physical distancing strategies which are key to fighting the spread of COVID-19 make presenting events at The Fox financially unviable in the coming months.
Theatres and music venues are struggling. Some are closing forever. As hard as it is, these strategies are necessary now to ensure The Fox has the best possible chance of reopening strong.
Our devoted Board of Directors takes its stewardship responsibility seriously and has committed to utilizing all resources available to resume programming in a manner that fulfills The Fox mission, advances the long-term sustainability of the theatre, and preserves precious physical assets.
Such deep staffing reductions are particularly hard. It is the people that make the place. The people of Tucson chose to rebuild The Fox 20 years ago. Our dedicated Board, enthusiastic patrons, generous volunteers and tenacious staff have carried that mantle forward. Honestly, it is devastating to see our team disperse. These talented individuals are to be recognized and thanked for all they have done to make The Fox what it is and to advance what it can and will be.
Your Support is Vital
Board President Michael Heisler says "We are facing a longer and more gradual return than expected, and that return is dependent upon the community's readiness to invest in the future of The Fox."
In the past, The Fox lay dormant for 25 years before the community lifted her up and brought her back to life. She is patient and resilient and she remains filled with promise for the future. In this challenging time, she will need a temporary shoulder to lean on.
Please consider supporting The Fox at this critical time so we may all realize her return:
- The Fox Forward Campaign has a goal of $250,000, having raised approximately $50,000 of that amount since the campaign launched in mid-May.
- Benefits of membership gifts will be honored for a full year from the date The Fox reopens for programming.
- Ticket holders are encouraged to donate the value of tickets to any canceled event back to The Fox in lieu of a refund, or to accept credit toward a future performance.
Thank you to all of our supporters for the many kind words of encouragement, for your understanding of these hard choices, and for your continued belief in the power of live performance to bring us together. We will need that more than ever as we look to the future.
On behalf of all of us at The Fox, until we meet again…
Bonnie Schock
Executive Director
Michael Heisler
Board President
Looking for ways other to support The Fox?
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