Glimmerglass COVID-19 Update
A Look at 2020
Thank you to the many audience members who were able to donate their ticket total, or a portion, back to the Festival, helping to ensure steady footing for the company at the start of the 2021 fiscal year, October 1. With the season cancelation, the Glimmerglass Festival team was most concerned with the welfare and livelihood of the close to 400 company members set to bring the Festival to life in the summer. The Festival was able to provide all seasonal staff, artists, and interns 25% of their contractual fees. Additionally, Young Artists and Interns were given a summer of virtual education, coaching and mentoring. And, while we could not engage audience members on campus in Cooperstown, we hope you joined us for Glimmerglass Glimpses, an online series featuring performances, town halls, and more. A new Glimpse was released every Thursday in July and August and each episode brought the viewers to Glimmerglass virtually to enjoy the setting, utilizing programming ideas and talents that were to have comprised the originally-planned season whenever possible.
What’s Next?
The Festival is still in the planning stages of the 2021 season. The operating budget will be greatly reduced in comparison to recent years, but must incorporate new areas of expense — such as COVID-related health and safety measures for our company members and audience members.
The Festival team is working furiously to plan a 2021 season, while keeping the health and safety of the company, audience members and the Cooperstown community top of mind. Right now, we are moving forward with all manner of planning live performances at the Glimmerglass Festival campus, and we plan to announce more information in February. Though it may feel different from previous seasons at the Festival as we embrace the need for additional safety measures, the 2021 Festival will include clever innovations and a vibrant array of offerings that reflect the Festival’s inventive artistic approach while capitalizing on The Glimmerglass Festival’s serene and beautiful location.
Our plan is to offer the artistic product for which the company is known, while retaining the flexibility to navigate the ever-changing landscape of a world battling COVID-19.
Thank you for your patience. Stay tuned!
Dear Glimmerglass family,
On behalf of the Board of Trustees and staff of The Glimmerglass Festival, thank you for your ongoing support. We hope that you and your family are healthy and safe and extend our deepest sympathies to so many who have suffered as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
It was our hope to be together this summer, to provide song and story for those longing for normalcy and respite. It is now clear that it will not be possible for Glimmerglass to perform our planned 2020 season.
Through our disappointment, we are choosing hope — a hope that 2021 will bring health and prosperity. In the meantime, we will be heeding the call of the governor of our great State of New York. He has encouraged all businesses to “re-imagine” and “build back better.” That is what we
intend to do. We will spend this summer creating unique and interesting content to keep our audiences engaged and entertained, as well as focusing on our education programs and working toward a stronger Glimmerglass for 2021 and beyond.
Although refunds of 2020 tickets are available, I hope ticket buyers who are able will consider donating the value of their tickets. The Festival Board of Trustees, joined by myself and my wife, Faith Gay, have made a commitment to match the value of all tickets donated up to $500,000, making your donation twice as valuable and helping to ensure the company’s future during this exceptional time.
Over the last decade, we at Glimmerglass have been thinking hard about the role of a nonprofit arts organization in a community. We have expanded our offerings and thought about how we can inspire conversations about the world we live in. And as we look toward a future when we
can come together in person again, we know those conversations about art, life and meaning will take on increased resonance. To put it briefly, we are just getting started.
Gratefully yours,
Francesca Zambello
Artistic & General Director
Dear Glimmerglass family,
First and foremost, I hope this note reaches you and yours in good health.
As you know, COVID-19 has caused many performances around the world and across the United States to be canceled — from concerts to entire seasons and festivals. Right now, New York State is leading the country, and the world, in cases related to COVID-19. The governor has extended the state of emergency and the executive order mandating social distancing through the end of April.
With all that said, we are still hopeful that we will see you this summer. With so much unknown at this time, and with all New York State businesses either closed or functioning remotely, we are unable to make firm plans at this time.
We are continuing to evaluate the possibilities, and we thank you for your patience as we all navigate this uncertain time. I admit it would be easier to make a decision regarding these circumstances now, but we are extremely aware that any decisions we make regarding the 2020 Festival have an extensive ripple effect.
Thank you for your understanding. We will continue to update you as we know more, and we look forward to convening with you at the Festival again.
Warm regards,
Francesca Zambello
Artistic & General Director
Dear Glimmerglass family,
I don’t have to tell you we are in an unprecedented and confusing time. Our world is changing on a daily, even hourly, basis.
At this point, we don’t know how the season will be impacted, but I want to assure you that all possible scenarios concerning the 2020 Festival are being examined. Our senior staff is continually analyzing the latest news and recommendations and evaluating the possibilities for this summer. We remain committed to making the right decision for the Festival, our artists and staff, and our community. In order to make the best decision, we need more time to see how this crisis and the circumstances in our world evolve. For the next two weeks we will be heavily weighing what is happening in the world and our local community, and we will keep you updated.
With that in mind, we appreciate your patience. Regardless of how the next weeks play out, I’m sure you already realize, the company, and the country, will be in a much different place. We are doing all we can to be able to provide the live theatrical experience so many people will be craving.
Thank you for your support and understanding as we determine the best way to move forward. Please stay safe.
Warm regards,
Francesca Zambello
Artistic & General Director
Work and preparation continues as planned for the 2020 Glimmerglass Festival season. The company is actively monitoring the COVID-19 situation and evaluating our operations using guidance from the CDC, health care professionals, and public health officials. If any changes must be made to the season, you will absolutely hear from us.
The health of our staff, audience members, and community is of the utmost importance to us. It has been sobering to watch the impact of COVID-19 on so many families and communities around the world. We send our deepest sympathies to those affected and wishes of good health to all.
All Glimmerglass Festival work spaces are currently closed to visitors until further notice. This includes the Festival campus (7300 State Highway 80) and the Box Office (18 Chestnut Street).
Updated: March 15, 2020 9:30 p.m.