Hartford Business Journal

www.HartfordBusiness.com • April 6, 2020 • Hartford Business Journal 13 end of its current season, which was supposed to run until May 31, Rider said. Also imperiled is the theater's summer educa- tion programs involving hun- dreds of stu- dents of all ages — and which is a revenue generator. Hartford Stage has also put on hold its major fundraising campaign based around the new leadership vision of Bensussen, who was named artistic director in Jan. 2019. "How soon we can get back to producing is so uncertain," says Rider. "We're working on different financial scenarios." For TheaterWorks, its 19 full-time and three part-time staff members are fully employed," says Ruggiero, who reports the theater lost more than $300,000 in anticipated revenue from the cancellation of shows so far. "But we're preparing for all levels of action, including some voluntary furloughs and pay reductions." With little or no capital reserves or endowments, theaters are pursu- ing emergency support from do- nors, foundations, arts councils and the state and federal governments. But it's going to be a long line of arts leaders asking for assistance. For smaller arts groups, the pain will likely be worse. West Hartford's Playhouse on Park furloughed its entire staff and tem- porarily halted operations, including its education programs. A handful of staff — comprising six full-time and 15 part-time workers — are volun- teering to keep the company open virtually with daily dance classes and upcoming play readings, even as its doors are closed temporarily. The theater leadership is continu- ing without salaries. "Even as funding opportunities become available, we feel small or mid-sized professional arts will be hurt the most," says Executive Di- rector Tracy Flater. "This could kill an arts organization." Flater is concerned that because the company, which has just under 1,000 subscribers and a $1.3-million budget, rents its space, it doesn't have the collateral other larger institutions possess to qualify for a bridge loan. "We don't know what opportuni- ties will exist for the little guys," Flater said. New season boost With closed shows sapping ticket income, theaters are trying to focus on selling their fall seasons now to bring in much needed revenue. "We want people to know we're still planning exciting things for next year," says Rider, noting Hartford Stage just announced four shows for its fall season. "One of the ways they can support us is by renewing their subscription or buying a new one — and even add on to that with a donation, which would be a big help to us, too." Because TheaterWorks' season goes into late summer, Ruggiero says he is considering moving shows around and smaller-scale productions as alternatives. He also says even when theaters reopen it's not clear how eager audi- ences will be to return to crowded spaces so his staff is discussing dif- ferent open-space seating plans. "We're not just sitting here thinking we're just getting through this and then it's back to business," he says. "The economy is going to be strug- gling and that landscape will be very vulnerable. We might have to take a few steps back but there are ways to go forward in that journey as well." Quality Construction + Butler Manufacturing = Repeat Customers www.borghesibuilding.com © 2011 BlueScope Buildings North America, Inc. All rights reserved. Butler Manufacturing™ is a division of BlueScope Buildings North America, Inc. 2155 East Main Street • Torrington, Connecticut 06790 Nufern, East Granby, CT | 1989 | 40,000 sq. ft. • 2013 | Addition — 20,000 sq. ft. Contact us at 860-482-7613 or visit us on the web. Theaters in Hartford are sitting empty as Gov. Ned Lamont has banned even small crowds from gathering to prevent the spread of COVID-19. PHOTOS | HBJ FILE Looking to create a custom publication? Let us take care of it for you. Whether it's the celebration of a major anniversary or the opening of a new headquarters, Hartford Business Journal's Custom Publishing Division can help you create a custom magazine for your business. Our division's top fl ight team of writers and designers can help you tell your story – and make your business look great! BASED ON OUR UNIQUE PUBLISHING MODEL, IT'S SURPRISINGLY AFFORDABLE. SURPRISINGLY AFFORDABLE. CONTACT US TODAY! ADVERTISING@ HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM WWW.HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM/ INFO/CUSTOM-PUBLISHING 860.236.9998

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