Dear Virginia Musical Theatre Family and Friends,
Last March VMT was heartbroken to face a situation we never could have anticipated. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Northam closed theatres and entertainment venues across the state effectively forcing the cancellation of our last performance of the season, MAMMA MIA! We are, of course, committed to the main concern we all share, the health and safety of our audience and performers. Restrictions to accomplish that goal, which still remain in effect on large gatherings, have distressingly forced the postponement of our current 2020/2021 30th Anniversary Season as well.
So where do we stand now?
With the advent of the COVID virus vaccines there is hope that Dr. Fauci is correct in saying that by this fall he believes that entertainment venues, including theatres, will be allowed to welcome audiences with significantly increased audience numbers. Though we have no way to predict what requirements may be imposed at that time, we are optimistic that the curtain will rise on VMT shows at the Sandler Center this October.
In order to keep you properly informed our current planning is as follows:
• VMT will schedule a full 2021/2022 season at the Sandler Center
• We expect to open with the ever popular MAMMA MIA!, followed by the missed shows from our
cancelled season
• Our most important goal, as always, is to provide the same professional theatre experience that you have wme to expect from VMT
This past year, 2020, was a time of survival. It took every measure we could find from expense reduction to available grants in order to meet our ongoing financial obligations. Without revenues from sponsors or ticketed performances it has been a challenge. The VMT Board of Directors has worked hard and will continue to do so, but we need your help. We are asking that you might consider a one-time, special, tax-deductible contribution of whatever amount is comfortable for you. With such, you not only assist VMT, you become part of the generosity of many who know that the preservation of the arts will be a significant part of bringing back the lifestyle we all love and enjoy.
Music, acting, dance, theatre performances of all kinds are more than mere entertainment and a way to pass the weekend. For the artists, musicians, technical, costume, audio, and so on, they mean work. They mean revenue, they mean the very livelihood of those who have devoted their careers to the arts. We invite you to join with countless others who believe there is value in helping to preserve that segment of our economy.
If you are so inclined, please use the enclosed contribution form and return envelope or you may use PayPal by
going to our website at www.vmtheatre.org.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at markh.vmt@gmail.com or call (757) 340-5446. Thank you for your continued understanding and support,
Mark C. Hudgins
Executive Director
