Loot

AURORA CLASSIC




Dear Friends-

I’m writing with great regret to announce that we are canceling our production of Loot out of concern for public health in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. We had just started rehearsals this week, and I’m so disappointed that we won’t be able to share what I know would have been a delightful production with all of you.

As we’ve all learned or been reminded over the past weeks—and with increasing intensity in the last few days—social distancing is key to slowing the spread of the virus and thus preventing our health care system from being overwhelmed. Thursday morning, Governor Newsom announced a recommended ban on gatherings of over 250 people, and that smaller gatherings—such as our performances—should allow for six feet of space between participants. That is not possible in our intimate space.

As with so many organizations, this change of plans will affect the Aurora community in many different ways. Our artists will have less work, which makes it even more difficult to meet expenses in the Bay Area. Aurora will have less income from ticket sales. While we can cut back on some expenses, our margins—like all nonprofit theatres—are so slim that this is going to at the very least burn through what rainy day funds we have and may impact our future plans. Julie and I have decided that as leaders of Aurora we will reduce our own pay for the duration of this crisis. 

We make the challenging decision to cancel our production of Loot for the sake of the larger community; we hope that those who are able will support us in return, as one part of this community. While we are certainly offering refunds for subscribers and other ticket-holders, I ask that you consider donating your ticket for Loot back to Aurora instead of asking for a refund. If enough of our audience does this, it will go a long way towards helping Aurora mitigate the increased challenge we’re now facing. If you’re in a position to make an additional donation, that would of course be particularly welcome right now. Ticket Holders, if our box office does not hear from you in the next two weeks we will contact you to ask if you would donate your ticket back or if you’d prefer a refund. Our box office number is 510.843.4822 and we are open Tuesday through Friday from 1 to 5pm. You can also send an email with your information to boxoffice@auroratheatre.org. Please do be patient as we expect high call volume during this time. 

I have great hope and strong expectations that the measures so many organizations are adopting will slow the spread and save lives—and that Aurora and other arts organizations will be able to reopen soon and continue serving our vital function as storytellers for our community. The announcement of our 2020-2021 Season is coming very soon, and even as I mourn the cancellation of Loot I look forward to a remarkable future for Aurora. Thank you so much for your patience, understanding, and support in this difficult time.

Warm Regards,

Josh Costello

Artistic Director

Loot

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season sponsors

Craig & Kathy Moody

Ed & Liliane Schneider

Premiere Sponsors

Cindy & Stephen Snow

Kathleen Garrison & David Wood

Sponsors

Alison Teeman & Michael Yovino-Young

associate sponsors

Ellen & Barry Levine
Helen M. Marcus