Art Goes on :: Aug Update

Dear Friends of Chapel Street Players:

August is here and the summer is coming to a quick end. We hope that you and your loved ones continue to be safe and healthy during these times. Thanks to all of you who completed our survey in June. We had over 200 responses and it greatly helped us determine our path forward this fall. There is A LOT of exciting news to share with you, so apologies in advance for the lengthy update!


Based on survey results, as well as state recommendations and guidance, we have decided to not re-open the theater until 2021, when the risks to our patrons and our volunteers is lessened and when it is financially viable to be positioned to earn sufficient revenue to cover the costs of staging a production. We plan to offer Moon over the Brewery, our Annual Cope 24 Hour Play Festival, and the two Odd Couples in 2021 around the same dates they were to be offered in 2020. Moon would still be free for subscribers from the 2019-20 season.

Our doors may be closed for now, but we want to continue providing our CSP fans and family with some virtual entertainment!  Just as we do for our season shows, we will be sending our post-cards out to our mailing list and marketing through our website and social media, but we wanted you to be the first to know what we have planned. We will be streaming through Facebook and YouTube the following shows.

  • September: One Dame Night of Pandemic Pandemonium – featuring CSP’s favorite local Dame Edna’s Honorary Understudy
  • October: Spoon River Anthology – the classic timeless play, directed by Bill Fellner
  • November:  The Mysterious Death of Madame Marcardi – An audience (virtual) participation murder game by Scott F. Mason
  • December: Christmas Radio Show – an old-fashioned radio show directed by Brian M. Touchette

Look for more information on dates and times in our mailers, website and social media. Best of all, the streamed events will be FREE, but donations are always appreciated!

Each year, CSP recognizes outstanding volunteers at our annual end-of-year celebration which is tied in to the Renee’ G. O’Leary June FUNdraiser. Since we were not able to do that this past June, we would like to share with you, this year’s recipients.

  • Marion Kuscher Technical Service Award (for outstanding contribution to the technical side of producing shows at CSP)
    • Peter Kuo for his special effects and artistry across many productions.
       
  • Betty Bart Service in Acting Award (for going above and beyond as a performer in a show)
    • Zack Jackson for stepping into a large role in House of Blue Leaves at the 11th hour
    • Mike Peco for his set construction/assistance with War of the Worlds and The House of Blue Leaves
     
  • Rosemary & Forrest Hickman Icon Award (for outstanding dedication to CSP)
    • Susan Boudreaux for many years of service as actress, board member, assistant director, and many other positions
    • Galen Keene for many years of service in grant-writing, development, and lights/sound work

Please join us in thanking these deserving volunteers for their dedication to CSP and keeping the live performing arts alive!

We want to thank the Delaware Arts Alliance, the DE Small Business group, the Newark Partnership, City of Newark, and the Governor’s Office for continuing to provide valuable information and ongoing support during the complications of COVID-19.

We especially want to acknowledge the National Endowment of the Arts and the Delaware Division of the Arts (DDOA) for once again granting us operating funds for the ’20-’21 year. This grant will greatly assist us in paying annual bills, despite our not being able to currently collect subscription and ticket revenue.

Please encourage your local politicians to continue supporting public funding of the arts whenever you can.

Thanks so very much for you continued support of live theater (albeit virtual for now) and the Chapel Street Players!

Sincerely, 
Board of Directors, Chapel Street Players

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