How Calgary Performing Arts Organizations Are Operating During Current Outbreak

Calgary theatres are looking at the road ahead during the current global health crisis and planning for a strong return despite economic uncertainty, CBC reports.

Performers were excitedly preparing for the opening night of the Harry Potter show with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra on March 12, with 6,000 tickets sold for the three-night performance at the Jubilee Auditorium, when they got the word - the show was off.

The same day, Theatre Calgary was preparing to stage a production called Admissions.

Now both performing arts spaces are looking at daunting economic issues, reduced staff, and the lack of the entertainment community.

But as always, the show must go on. Theatre Calgary has introduced a new platform called TC Takeout, delivering live theatre - online - to people at home.

On the topic of support during these trying times, Jim Reader, interim executive director at Theater Calgary, said, "I think the idea sharing, the community support that we have with each other, is something that Calgary should be proud of. Because it's going to see art, whether it's the ballet, the philharmonic, the opera, and our theatre, and the many other theatres that are in the Alberta area - that's going to see us through."