Update on Wheaton Drama and Plans for the Future
Dear Members and Friends of Wheaton Drama,
It’s been an incredibly tough few months for so many individuals and businesses. Wheaton Drama has not been immune to economic impact, but thankfully has been safe during the pandemic. We hope you and your families are safe and well, too. I wanted to let you know what our theatre is planning, as restrictions on gatherings begin to lift. We have no formal answers; no one does. But we are committed to our mission, more than ever.
Wheaton Drama exists to create a more engaged community and lasting friendships by sharing our passion for quality theatre.
There’s not been a more important time in our recent history to put our mission into practice. The camaraderie and community created through the shared experience of live theatre, is why we exist, and we’re aggressively planning on how we can bring that to you in the weeks and months ahead.
The Current Season – Our final two productions, Hauptmann and Peter and the Starcatcher have been postponed, but it is our priority to bring them to life in some form, as quickly as possible. Current ticket holders may request a refund by emailing tickets@wheatondrama.org, but if you can hold on until we announce solutions, we’d appreciate your patience. Indeed, some patrons let us know to consider their purchase a donation, should we not be able to stage the productions. We are incredibly grateful.
What will the Future Look Like? We have a team of volunteer members thinking about creative solutions to live theater in the coming months. Ideas from streaming recorded and live video of shows, to short-form productions for audiences of 50 or less, to outdoor performances and more are being considered. I’m grateful for the can-do attitude and innovation this team will bring to our theatre. It is unlikely we will have full audiences returning to our intimate theatre soon, but when we can, know that safety will be concern #1. From cleanliness of the theatre to social distancing, when we return, it will only be when it is safe for all.
How is the Theatre Financially? So many patrons and members have expressed this concern. I’m grateful for the foresight of previous theatre leadership and the generosity of our patrons. Because of them, our not-for-profit theatre has reserves to be able to withstand the havoc of recent months, and, if needed, for months to come. In short, we are okay, enabling our focus to be on how we can again create great theatre to entertain patrons and come together as a community. If you are able to help us on our mission through a tax-free donation, we thank you. Donations can be made online through this link, or via check mailed to: Wheaton Drama Inc., 111 N Hale, Wheaton, IL 60187.
There’s so much we don’t know – and can’t plan for. But please know, we can’t wait to see you back, enjoying quality theatre, to laugh, cry, and play together again as one community.
Until then, may you be safe and happy.
Julie Kanturek,
President, Board of Governors
Wheaton Drama, Inc.