Since March 2020, we have been in unprecedented times. Global uncertainty due to the pandemic and the constant re-assessment of the future have been overwhelming to experience, but it has also been heartening to see Artists Rep’s team of staff, board, and artists work together in response. Due to the uncertainty of a vaccine release for COVID-19—and as we are not able to project a clear end to social distancing requirements—we are all but certain that theatres will be among the last activities to restore to pre-pandemic conditions. Unfortunately, in order to ensure the organization survives this tumultuous time, we have had to make some decisions that will drastically impact members of our ART community and the way we pursue our mission. 

We estimate that we have lost over $450,000 in revenue since March for the current fiscal year (ending June 30). Although we are able to retain our entire staff through the next month utilizing a Payroll Protection Program (PPP) loan, we have now had to take the heartbreaking step of laying off 15 staff members effective June 28. The remaining staff will see roles and responsibilities re-assigned in a broad restructuring plan. Additionally, some positions will experience a reduction in hours. This reduction takes ART from a total staff equivalent to 24.5 Full-Time employees to 9.8. 

While we are preparing for multiple timelines for a return to traditional productions (i.e., fully produced plays, performed LIVE in a theatre several times a week over the course of 4-6 weeks), our productions will inevitably be reduced in number and scope—even as we plan new projects that can be experienced in nontraditional ways. In any scenario, our projected income is highly unpredictable, and we must reduce our budget by nearly 50%, or in excess of $1.5 million. Cutting programming is a devastating loss to the artists of the Portland community who would have been hired as actors, designers, directors, playwrights, and members of production teams.  

However, even in this dark moment there is light. We are able to use PPP loan funds (until June 30) to hire artists to CREATE work that we will share virtually or in person at a future date, and our play development and education programs can expand in the year ahead. We will continue to work with artists and ideas that inspire. We will find new ways to share stories and community safely. We will innovate. We will survive. We will remain Artists Rep.

Sincerely, 

Dámaso & JS 

We have made a commitment to the playwright, cast, and creative team that we will produce the play, and we’ll update you as soon as we know exact dates. The box office is currently contacting anyone who had a ticket, below are the ways that you can show your support for Artists Rep and for our new play development program Table|Room|Stage.

Ticket options for Looking for Tiger Lily

If you want to transfer your ticket to Looking for Tiger Lily to the same show in our 2020/21 season: our Box Office will contact you once we release the new dates for Looking for Tiger Lily to pick your new date and time. Please put “Transfer my Ticket” in the subject line of the email, and your Customer ID (if you know it) and a phone number in the body of the email.

If you want to use your ticket for a credit towards the 2020/21 season: once we announce our season line-up, we will apply the cost of your Looking for Tiger Lily ticket towards a 20/21 season membership. Our Box Office will contact you once we have announced our season. Please put “Credit Ticket” in the subject line of the email, and your Customer ID (if you know it) and a phone number in the body of the email.

If you want to donate my ticket back: like all other arts organizations, we would not be able to survive without the support of generous donors. If you are not able to use your ticket for Looking for Tiger Lily in the 20/21 season, please consider donating the cost of your ticket. Ticket donations are tax-deductible and you will be emailed an acknowledgment receipt. Please put “Donate my ticket” in the subject line of the email, and your Customer ID (if you know it) and a phone number in the body of the email.

Congratulations to Resident Artist, E.M. Lewis

Please join us in celebrating Resident Artist E.M. Lewis, who has recently been awarded a grant by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation in support of a three-year residency with Artists Rep through the National Playwright Residency Program. E.M. is the playwright of the 2018/19 World Premiere Magellanica, directed by Artistic Director Dámaso Rodríguez. During the residency, she will focus on her new play, The Great Divide, co-commissioned by the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and Artists Rep. The Great Divide focuses on the 2016 occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon, examining the deep rifts in U.S. cultural values, particularly between rural and urban communities.

In this spirit of community support and transparency, we want to take a moment to share some good news and update you about how we are responding to the challenges of this uncertain time.

ART Virtual Gala: The Results

On Thursday, March 12, Artists Rep made the difficult decision to cancel our 2020 gala scheduled for Saturday, March 14 based on Governor Kate Brown’s recommendations to suspend all large gatherings. Due to the financial repercussions and short notice, we did not make this decision lightly, but the speed with which events shifted required that we make a hard choice to put the health of our donors, staff, and volunteers first.

We quickly pivoted to a “virtual paddle raise,” and our community of extraordinary supporters responded: between Thursday morning and Sunday night, 170+ donors gave more than $130,000—that’s an amazing average gift of $760! Gifts ranged from $10 to $10,000 and came from ART staff and artists, the broader community that supports theatre and the arts, and from individuals who have never even attended one of our productions. From every one of us at Artists Rep: thank you. 

We are also appreciative of Vibrant Table Catering & Events, who manage the venue we were planning to use. While food had already been purchased for the event, VT donated as much as possible to Urban Gleaners, a Portland non-profit that helps connect communities in need with surplus food. It has been moving to witness the many ways businesses and individuals alike are striving to support each other.

Looking For Tiger Lily Update

Based on Governor Brown’s executive order limiting gatherings of 25 or more people until at least mid-April, we must postpone the final production of our current season. We will continue to follow developments in the coming weeks before announcing the new performance dates. In any case, we have made a commitment to the playwright, cast, and creative team that we will produce the play, whether in the current season or the next. We’ll update you as soon as we know more. Please note that your tickets will be applied to the future production of Looking for Tiger Lily regardless of performance dates.

Box Office & Admin Schedule

We are continuing to conduct business as our staff works remotely; don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions! Our Box Office window at Portland Center Stage has been temporarily closed, but staff can be reached at 503.241.1278 or at boxoffice@artistsrep.org and will return your call or email within 48 hours. Our administrative staff can be reached by email or phone (a full directory can be found here).

2020/21 Season Announcment

We’ve been hard at work in the past few months securing venues and creating a dynamic line-up of plays for our upcoming 2020/21 season, but we have made the decision to delay the announcement of our next season until there is more clarity as to when public assembly will once again be safe. We appreciate your patience and support as we use this time to stay flexible and responsive.

Education Classes and Other Events

In response to rapidly shifting recommendations, all in-person classes and public events are postponed until restrictions on public assembly are lifted. If you are enrolled in a class, we will be in contact with you directly. We’re doing our best to move as much as we can to remote/video-conferencing; we hope you’ll partner with us in exploring these new ways to connect and learn together.

Supporting Art and Independent Artists

Thank you for staying engaged and supportive of Artists Rep. The effects of COVID-19 will be felt across the arts community. While every organization is facing unprecedented challenges, the livelihood of individual artists is at stake with every postponed or cancelled performance. If you want to help provide financial assistance to members of the Portland-area theatre community facing a medical or personal emergency, Portland Area Theatre Alliance’s Valentine Fund is a resource; to support independent/freelance artists facing lost income, consider the PDX Artists Relief Fund. If you’d like to show your support directly to Artists Rep, you can do so here. All of us here at Artists Rep are grateful for your generous support. We will continue to monitor the ever-evolving situation. As we do so, we look forward to once again sharing stories that matter.

Your health and safety as an audience member is important to us, and we want to let you know some of the ways in which Artists Rep is following best practices during this time.

We have started with our temporary offices at Zidell. We are regularly cleaning our public spaces and private offices. We have reminded the Artists Rep staff and artists that each person is responsible and empowered to take necessary precautions as recommended by the World Health Organization1​ ​and the CDC2​ ​, in order to stop the spread of the disease. Those recommendations include:

•   Wash hands frequently, regularly, and thoroughly with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if hand washing isn’t possible.
•   Put distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing (at least six feet).
•   Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
•   Cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of the usedtissue immediately, and wash your hands.
•   If you have fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, stay home and seek medical care early.
•   If you are sick, or in direct contact with someone who is sick, please stay home.We have also been in communication with Portland State University, our performance venue for ​Indecent​. They have released a statement4​ ​about their own internal processes and procedures that they have in place.

  We will be monitoring public health announcements from Oregon Health Authority3​ ​in the coming days, weeks, and months and will make necessary changes to our programming and schedule if, and when, encouraged to do so by local or national authorities. If cancellations become necessary, announcements will be posted to our website and social media pages. If you are unable to use your ticket, please contact the box office for your options.

  If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 503.241.1278. Sincerely,

  Dámaso Rodríguez J.S. May
  Artistic Director Managing Director

1. World Health Organization, ​https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus
2. Center for Disease Control, ​https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
3. Oregon Health Authority, ​https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/DISEASESCONDITIONS/DISEASESAZ/Pages/emerging-respiratory-infections.aspx
4. Portland State University Response to the Coronavirus, ​https://www.pdx.edu/coronavirus-response