Not To Be. Pandemic forces Shakespeare Dallas to cancel summer series for first time
Shakespeare Dallas has canceled its 2020 summer season of Shakespeare in the Park because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The group was scheduled to hold performances of “Much Ado About Nothing” and “The Merchant of Venice” beginning June 10 and ending July 19 at the Samuell-Grand Amphitheater in East Dallas.
It’s the first time since the company’s founding about 50 years ago that the summer event won’t be held.
“Shakespeare in the Park is a decade’s long tradition for many families and theater artists in our community,” Shakespeare Dallas executive and artistic director Raphael Parry said in a release. “I am deeply moved by the place we hold as a cultural icon, and the absence of our Summer Season will have a great impact on many.”
The company employs more than 80 artists and technicians.
“We are committed to preserving the jobs of our full-time, year-round staff and ensuring Shakespeare Dallas comes back stronger than ever in the fall,” Parry said. “We look forward with great expectations of launching our 50th Season in September with ‘Romeo and Juliet.’”
Shakespeare Dallas has seen a decrease in financial support and anticipated losses in ticket revenue, according to Parry. To help mitigate these shortfalls, Shakespeare Dallas is participating in North Texas Giving Day, a spring event created specifically as an emergency day of giving to help nonprofits across the metroplex. You can support Shakespeare Dallas through May 5 by donating here at NorthTexasGivingDay.com
Shakespeare Dallas is scheduled to open its 50th season in September with “Romeo and Juliet” at both Samuell-Grand and at The Sound at Cypress Waters in North Dallas. Dates and tickets for both venues will be available soon.
