It is with a heavy heart that we must announce the cancellation of Proud Theater’s 2020 performing season. While having to cancel any show or season is difficult, this cancellation is particularly heart-breaking as this was set to be our twentieth performing season.
On March 13, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers announced that K12 schools in Wisconsin would be closed from at least March 18 to April 5 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Following that order, Art & Soul Innovations made the decision to suspend our operations temporarily. On March 24, Andrea Palm, the Secretary-Designee of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, issued a stay-at-home order (Emergency Order #12) under which rehearsals and other activities necessary to prepare for this year’s performance season would not be possible until April 24 at the earliest. We recognize that an additional order may extend this timeframe, and that we would not have enough time to prepare for our season even if the order is not extended.
We are incredibly proud of the work of our youth from this season, and grateful for the contributions of our volunteer mentors and directors. We are excited to share that work and find other ways to honor our 20-year history in the near future.
With the loss of our performance season also comes a loss of critical funding to support our work. We recognize that many are financially challenged in these uncertain times, but encourage those who can to consider making a donation to us. Please consider making a contribution to our 20 for 20 Fund at tinyurl.com/proud20for20. Thank you to everyone for your amazing support over the years. We could not do the work we do without you.
We know this may be difficult for various communities, especially the youth we serve each week. We encourage people to reach out to community services or their local Proud Theater chapter, and further encourage intentional community care as we navigate this difficult time together.