Saint Vincent College Summer Theatre cancels 2021 season over covid concerns
Share this post:
Saint Vincent College Summer Theatre has canceled its upcoming season, citing circumstances surrounding the covid-19 pandemic.
“After careful deliberation and after exploring additional performance ideas, including virtual, we found it best to suspend our 2021 season,” said Greggory Brandt, producing artistic director.
“Overall, in terms of risks and expenses, we decided it was better to wait until we can do it the right way, the way we want to do it,” he said.
The 2020 season also was canceled because of the pandemic.
Brandt said the announcement was timed partly out of consideration for theater patrons, who often buy season subscriptions as Christmas gifts.
Plans already are in the works for the 2022 season, including a revival of the theater’s popular holiday musical revue.
“This is troubling, but I’m a glass-half-full guy and this is just a bump in the road,” Brandt said. “It’s hard to wait, but we have to wait. Even Broadway is not coming back at least until this summer.
“Between our actors, crew, backstage people and audience, if even one instance of (virus transmission) happened, that would be too much,” he said.
“We will always keep the health and safety of our patrons, actors, production team and community a top priority,” he said. “We look forward to returning stronger than ever in 2022 with another memorable lineup of shows for our 52nd season.”
Founded in 1969 by the late Father Tom Devereux, the theater company originally comprised St. Vincent students. With increased popularity over the years, it joined Actors’ Equity Association in 1985 and since has featured prominent actors from Pittsburgh theater community and from New York City.
Saint Vincent Summer Theatre has presented more than 200 productions, along with its popular after-theater hot dogs-and-popcorn cabaret, and 30 fundraising galas.