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R I V E R C E N T E R
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H E A R T S
A Message fr om Riv er Center
By Scott Berson
he escalating COVID-19 health crisis continues to T impact everyone and every organization in Columbus and across the country. In these uncertain times, we want
you to know that we continue to work to positively affect our community, bringing the highest quality national Broadway tours and world-class artists to the RiverCenter stage and educating countless school children and teachers with programs and experiences that improve children’s academic progress, minds and lives. But now we are faced with a growing challenge that renders all of that extremely difficult to do. This crisis introduces tremendous stress in an industry that already has a great deal of risk in its business model. In the best of times, it is difficult to ensure financial stability and cash reserves, and the art, culture and
entertainment markets are very fickle and fragile. It takes very little – even the slightest rumor – for ticket sales to begin to slump. Non-profit organizations also rely upon individual contributions, corporate support and grants that quickly fade away when the economy is stressed or when, understandably, human suffering and overarching threats to public health come into play. During this time, RiverCenter is actively engaging with city and local authorities to see how we can bring LocaL
our resources to the table to assist our community. Whether utilizing our loading docks for needed health supplies, our grounds for testing sites, our internet presence to share health information or cultural posts to soothe our souls and remind us of all that is beautiful, RiverCenter is here to help. Since the days of the Columbus Challenge, which built RiverCenter and sparked the growth of downtown and all that exists there today, RiverCenter has created a hub of artists, providing a home for the Columbus Symphony, the Youth Orchestra of Greater Columbus, Columbus Ballet and CSU’s Schwob School of Music, providing performance experiences and opportunities that have become central to the cultural life of our city. We could not have done it without the support of our patrons, our donors, our sponsors and our city. We thank
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you for all you have done for RiverCenter in the past and urge you to continue your support so that RiverCenter can continue this tradition for many years to come. For now, RiverCenter’s lobby is closed to the public. Employees are working remotely to provide continuation of services. The box office remains open for phone and email transactions, but out of concern for the health of patrons and staff, has discontinued in-person transactions until the threat of COVID-19 has passed. In addition to the extended period of event suspension, the previously scheduled dates for Complexions Contemporary Ballet’s two-day educational residency with schools and other civic organizations on April 14 and 15, and public performance on April 16 will be rescheduled at a date yet to be determined. All tickets issued for the April 16 Complexions performance will be honored for the rescheduled performance. The box office will be in touch with all ticket holders as soon new dates are confirmed and will discuss options with patrons at that time. “We hope all of our ticket holders will be able to join us for the rescheduled performance, but if not, their ticket purchase will be refunded at that time, or they may choose to donate their ticket and a tax letter will be issued to them to reflect their donation,” said Easterbrook. You can support the RiverCenter by making a contribution at https:// rivercenter.org/give/, volunteering as an usher, or even donating your ticket for events that are postponed or cancelled during the Coronavirus outbreak. Please keep the Theatre in your hearts. We ALL need you now more than ever.u
APR I L 2020
