Important Update on Very Merry Theatre Spring Programming and COVID-19

Dear Very Merry Theatre families and friends,

 We know this is a challenging and uncertain time, and we along with many other organizations are closely monitoring how the city and local school districts and non-profits are responding to the COVID-19 public health crisis as it impacts our community.

 We are writing to you today to update you on our own organizational response to the COVID 19 pandemic. Out of an abundance of caution and concern for the health and safety of our participants, family members and community we are taking the following social distancing measures for the coming weeks:

 School shows:

Edmunds Elementary, Hunt Middle School, Edmunds Middle School: productions postponed. We will do everything we can with our wonderful school partners to complete these productions and perform them at a later time. Participants and families will receive updates from parent production managers.

Echo/School partnership: Event is tentatively rescheduled for May 18th.

20 Allen Street Programming:

Pippi Longstocking, Monarchs, Cabaret, Preschool program, Homeschoolers program:  Postponed for now--if we can do a modified program offering later in the spring we will try and do so, and at a reduced fee.

Younger Teen musical:  We will not be able to offer Fame.  Younger teen show postponed with hopes to offer a modified alternative offering (perhaps VMT original) later this spring at a reduced fee.

Older Teen musical - Romeo & Juliet: the 60s Musical:  This will move forward as planned with remote auditions and remote delivery of rehearsals. The registration fee will be reduced to $180.  Teens must register by March 29 and submit a video audition by March 31. Don will be communicating all the details to them about how that will work. We will then use a "remote" approach like local colleges are doing, using video posts and/or Zoom teleconferencing with Don, Ashley and Karen. This show will be performed!

Adult Show – Alice in Wonderland:  March performance dates postponed.  Don will still lead remote rehearsals with the adults on a modified schedule and will reschedule performance dates later this spring/early summer. This show will be performed!

Saturday Morning Drama Club:  Saturday, March 14 will be the last Saturday morning drama club for the time being. We hope to resume later this spring. 

We will continue to keep you informed for any future changes in programming due to the extraordinary circumstances that we are facing. 

Please  continue to monitor the latest recommendations from the VT Health Department and the city of Burlington for the most up-to-date information on Covid-19:

 https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/mayor/mayorsupdates/preparing-for-covid-19

 https://www.healthvermont.gov/response/infectious-disease/2019-novel-coronavirus

We understand how disappointing this news will be for so many of our participants. We remain hopeful that we may be able to resume some type of programming later this spring and fill our stage with the joyful voices of our VMT participants.  

Wishing good health to you and loved ones as you juggle all the complexities in your lives in the coming weeks. Please reach out to Don: don@verymerrytheatre.org or 802-355-1461 for any questions and concerns.

 Sincerely,

Don and the VMT Board