GivingTuesdayNow for Theatrical Outfit

Theatrical Outfit is deeply invested in how theatre can strengthen Atlanta's communities by starting urgent, exciting, and profound conversations; celebrating the power of live art to bring people together; and recognizing that an active, vibrant culture contributes to a strong, compassionate society.

As a result of the COVID-19 crisis, our doors, like many US businesses, are closed. Gathering in community to share an experience is impossible. Programming including our mainstage productions, educational programs, and the jazz series have all been cancelled or postponed. TO's powerful, critically acclaimed production of Paula Vogel's "Indecent", with an originally scheduled run of March 4-29, was closed prematurely on March 13 due to the crisis. With its historical perspective and message of understanding and acceptance, the impact of closing this show was profound, with press hailing it as "Gorgeous, difficult, important storytelling," (ArtsATL) and "(a play) unlike any I’ve ever seen. It’s very difficult to talk about; it must be seen," (Atlanta InTown). The wildly popular "Cotton Patch Gospel" by Tom Key, Russell Treyz, and the late Harry Chapin, was scheduled to close TO's 2019-20 season and was to mark Tom Key's final production as Artistic Director, with an extended run from April through May. The production has been postponed indefinitely. Additionally, weekend classes for youth were cancelled; TO's internship programs were cancelled for the balance of the season; two jazz concerts have been delayed; the annual "Our Luckie Stars" gala fundraiser has been postponed; and it is likely that the first SummerStage camp session will be cancelled or merged with the July session.

TO's mission-based community engagement activities have also been curtailed. We at TO believe that providing these opportunities enables our audiences to more richly and deeply experience our plays. Organized engagement events that take place throughout the season include: post-show Page to Stage Talkbacks connecting our audiences with artists and the creative teams of our plays; Downtown Dialogues, post-show discussions connecting our audiences with non-theatre professionals who are experts in the fields of our shows' topics; pre-show receptions for downtown residents; and senior staff presence at all performances to build deeper engagement and connection with patrons.

When our community can gather again, we will need the communal power of art more than ever. With the assistance of funding from the philanthropic community, TO can weather this difficult time and emerge from this crisis ready to resume production of the great theatre we are known for: employing exceptionally talented artists; creating opportunities to engage with our community; offering education for young artists; supporting our fellow downtown businesses; and building partnerships with other local non-profits to ensure we are all stronger as we move toward the future.