MOH needs your support now more than ever!
Debbie Snapp
ECB Publishing, Inc.
Right now is an unprecedented time for our community, and the local theatre community has been hit especially hard.
COVID-19 has caused a great deal of change, and everybody is facing a tremendous amount of uncertainty.
Currently, our leaders have made the hard but necessary choice to ban mass gatherings of people, and nobody is sure how long this may go on.
This directly harms theaters, as most have been unable to host shows and sell tickets for an extended period of time. Theaters are facing a major loss in revenue because of this. In addition to the impact on organizations, the performers, artisans and administrative staff of local theaters have all been negatively impacted by this closure of entertainment venues.
The Monticello Opera House is in dire need of support, as this dreaded coronavirus outbreak has stymied its ability to generate funds through programs, services and shows.
The opera house's network of supporters are now being called upon to support the local theater, as we need the arts now more than ever.
Like other theaters in the panhandle area, the opera house has experienced a multitude of show and rental cancellations, including its financially critical Murder Mystery Dinner Theater Spring show.
The opera house has also been unable to cast and rehearse for future shows, putting the opera house's future on hold. Cash flow is its biggest challenge right now, and the future is very uncertain.
While there is a great deal of financial hardship in these difficult times, the opera house and its director, Michael Herrin, are asking those that can to consider a gift of support to the opera house.
“Your gift is needed now more than ever,” Herrin says, “and will help insure the survival of our wonderful and diverse performing arts community. We are coming to you now to ask for your continued support of local theatre, even as we temporarily shutter our doors.”
Call (850) 997-4242 or director@monticellooperahouse.org to make a one-time or ongoing donation to the Monticello Opera House or buy a gift certificate to future shows and performances.
Those who cannot afford to financially support the opera house are asked to talk to their legislators on the state level. When you talk to your legislators, express your support for bills that will put forth economic relief for those affected by COVID-19. Reach out to your legislators and let them know that nonprofit arts organizations and artists should be included in these relief packages.