Seattle Shakespeare Cancels Remaining Shows In Season

Today Seattle Shakespeare Company's Managing Director John Bradshaw and Artistic Director George Mount announced that the company is canceling the following upcoming performances and programs: Troilus and Cressida, Macbeth, Hamlet (Tour), Romeo and Juliet (Tour), Short Shakes Macbeth.

"This is an extremely difficult announcement for us," said Managing Director John Bradshaw. "After reviewing Governor Inslee's proclamation on March 11 and the Seattle and King County Public Health directives that followed, including the requirement of social distancing, we are considering the safety of patrons, artists, staff, volunteers, students, and everyone who makes up Seattle Shakespeare. After observing responses from our patrons and noting the broader impacts of COVID-19, we believe that the best path forward is canceling."

Artistic Director George Mount noted, "Sadly, due to the nature of the calendar booking in our facility, we do not have the ability to postpone to later in the spring. We will look at the potential of bringing these productions back in a future season."

Seattle Shakespeare Company will contact patrons who hold tickets to cancelled productions with specific instructions on their options for future performances.

More than 30% of Seattle Shakespeare Company's annual revenues are generated in the spring months. Though the company was already making plans for its 30th Anniversary season next year, the survival of Seattle Shakespeare Company is now in question. "This is a devastating time for all," said Bradshaw. "We now need our community's support more than ever." The theatre is currently accepting donations and exploring other options for moving forward after the current crisis has abated.

"We are looking forward to special programming opportunities when this passes," said Mount. "We're already looking at plans for our free parks productions of Othello and The Comedy of Errors this summer"

Patrons who have questions about tickets or about donating to Seattle Shakespeare Company may contact the company through the Ticket Office at 206-733-8222 or online at www.seattleshakespeare.org.