Globe Theatre cancels 2020-21 season due to COVID-19

The curtain officially has fallen on the 2020-21 Globe Theatre season.

In a media release Thursday, the Regina-based theatre said it had cancelled plans to begin its season in January.

“With the challenges we face due to the (COVID-19) pandemic, we cannot confidently deliver the revised lineup of shows while adhering to public health restrictions that would allow artists and audiences to gather safely,” the release said.

In late June, live theatres were given the go-ahead to reopen under the Saskatchewan government’s plan. The Globe Theatre decided to wait and announced plans to begin a schedule of three plays on its main stage in January.

On Thursday, the theatre said “multiple obstacles” — such as social distancing, limited audience capacity and an inability to find cost-effective venues for its shows — made the notion of starting in January impossible.

The Globe noted other theatres across the country that were eager to present live performances also were forced to cancel their schedules due to COVID-19 restrictions.

The Globe said it will announce one event at a time as it moves forward.

“As we pack up the Prince Edward Building for our major renovation, I reflect on the high hopes that we had of taking you ‘around town’ starting in January 2021, with shows planned in various venues throughout the city,” Globe Theatre executive director Jaime Boldt said in the release. “However, it would appear the virus cannot be ignored, and we need to take pause.

“We are doing our homework carefully out of respect and to protect our audiences and our artists. This means that we will be announcing pandemic-friendly microprogramming one project at a time.

“However, what we do know is that our renovation project is moving along, and we will be fully moved out of 1801 Scarth Street by mid-November. Future programming will take place around town and we are excited to invite you on that adventure with us when we are able!”