Stratford Festival puts 30 performances 'on hold'
source: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090415.wstratford15art1628/BNStory/Ente...
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"Thumped by the uncertain economy, Ontario's Stratford Shakespeare Festival has removed 31 performances from the season's schedule.
One April performance of West Side Story has been officially cancelled, while 30 other performances that were selling poorly are "on hold" as the festival's administration waits to see if ticket sales pick up and economic conditions improve. Ticket sales are down 15 per cent from last year at this time.
"It's a decision we made in the context of everything that is unfolding right now," explains Anita Gaffney, Stratford's administrative director. "We're trying to reduce expenses, but we're also working very hard to spread the word about the season."
The suspended performances - both of classics such as Julius Caesar and musicals such as West Side Story - were mostly scheduled to take place in September and October. Ticket sales were placed on hold two weeks ago, and those who had already purchased tickets were contacted and offered alternative dates.
Festival officials hope to add the performances back into the schedule later in the season. According to research, Stratford has been conducting among past patrons, the sour economy is deterring regular visitors from buying tickets as early as they normally do. "We hear positive interest in the season and a high intention to visit this year, but they want to wait a bit before buying," says Gaffney."
One April performance of West Side Story has been officially cancelled, while 30 other performances that were selling poorly are "on hold" as the festival's administration waits to see if ticket sales pick up and economic conditions improve. Ticket sales are down 15 per cent from last year at this time.
"It's a decision we made in the context of everything that is unfolding right now," explains Anita Gaffney, Stratford's administrative director. "We're trying to reduce expenses, but we're also working very hard to spread the word about the season."
The suspended performances - both of classics such as Julius Caesar and musicals such as West Side Story - were mostly scheduled to take place in September and October. Ticket sales were placed on hold two weeks ago, and those who had already purchased tickets were contacted and offered alternative dates.
Festival officials hope to add the performances back into the schedule later in the season. According to research, Stratford has been conducting among past patrons, the sour economy is deterring regular visitors from buying tickets as early as they normally do. "We hear positive interest in the season and a high intention to visit this year, but they want to wait a bit before buying," says Gaffney."
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ClipsFC
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Stratford Shakespeare Festival is a classic! It would really be a shame if they had to cancel performances. I hope that some funding can help them out. This is one of the last big classic festivals that many people look forward to.
- 3 years ago
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ClipsFC
