Over a year ago, ASC embraced what we felt was an important, timely theme for this season: shelter. We were excited to tell stories that explored the many ways this idea is essential to a thriving community, both literally (the need for safe and affordable housing) and metaphorically (the refuge we seek within nurturing relationships). We never imagined how prescient this theme would become as we now find ourselves "sheltering in place" and searching for ways to connect meaningfully with loved ones despite our enforced separation.
As I reach out to you now, I hope you are safe and in good health and heeding the advice of those public servants who are trying to keep us all shielded from the spread of COVID-19. Like so many of my colleagues in education and the arts who are used to working every day in close physical proximity to others, I know how hard isolation can be. Sharing space with others, exchanging energy and positive intent, being present to support the growth and development of our students and collaborators is what gives our work and our lives value and meaning. But nothing is more important right now than the health and well-being of our neighbors, our friends and our loved ones.
Hang in there. Practice self-care. Keep things in perspective. Stay strong.
I want to take a moment to update you on heavy economic toll this crisis has already taken on Adventure Stage. Effective March 25th, we were forced to drastically reduce staff. As you may already know, we had to cancel a sold out 6-week run of Ghost. Our classroom residency program, Neighborhood Bridges, is in limbo while we wait to learn the status of the rest of the school year. Trailblazers summer camp, too, is a question mark. All of this following a sprinkler system malfunction that caused catastrophic flooding on three floors of our building-including the stage-and forced us to shut our doors to all revenue-generating business between November and February.
And, as if that weren't enough, the Chicago Public Schools teacher strike back in October plummeted our audience numbers by more than 50%. Such a devastating year could not be without painful consequence. What Adventure Stage is capable of accomplishing once the coronavirus is under control remains to be seen. One thing feels certain: we are going to look a lot different. As a program of the Northwestern Settlement, we have always framed our effort in service to the community. We've put young people at the center of all that we do and tried to provide experiences that inspired their imaginations and empowered their spirits. I hope we can continue to do that.
Although many of our programs are on pause, the Settlement's Food Pantry continues to help those in need. Please consider a donation to our Go Fund Me campaign, to which contributions will be doubled.
When the pandemic hit, we had already begun crafting our theme for next year: belonging. It, too, seems appropriate to our cultural moment. When we belong we feel safe and secure. We are surrounded by people who accept us for who we are. We are not alone. Wherever you are-no matter how isolated--I hope you are connecting with the people who remind you that you belong.
