Dear Friends,

It is with an exceptionally heavy heart that I write you all today to share this announcement that was sent to the press earlier this morning: 

“Jobsite Theater, already amid suspension of their production of DOUBT, A Parable, is cancelling both Bertolt Brecht’s THE RESISTIBLE RISE OF ARTUO UI (May 15 – Jun. 7) and Rajiv Joseph’s ANIMALS OUT OF PAPER (Jul. 17 – Aug. 9). DOUBT is still planned to proceed as soon as it is deemed safe and prudent to do so.

From Producing Artistic Director David M. Jenkins: “The current health crisis clearly makes it impossible for us to do what we do in any way –rehearsals or performance – and with the timelines and circumstances so unclear we need to make this move now to protect ourselves from further financial harm. We are saddened by these cancellations and deeply regret our inability to provide this meaningful work for our regional artists and the opportunity for Tampa Bay area audiences to experience a pair of amazing stories, but this is the right thing to do. As far as DOUBT goes, the show is paid for and ready — literally sitting there in the theater — and we hope to welcome audiences into our home for another great reckoning in our little room by the summer.”

As soon as Jobsite has new dates for DOUBT, ticketholders will be contacted to work out a new performance. For ticketholders to THE RESISTIBLE RISE OF ARTURO UI and/or ANIMALS OUT OF PAPER the company is hoping that people will apply those balances toward a pass to the 2020/21 season or make a donation in the amount of the purchase price to Jobsite. Refunds will also be made available upon request. Patrons seeking immediate resolution may write comments@strazcenter.org while the Straz Box office operates with limited hours and staff.

The current crisis could see the resident theater company of the Straz Center without ticket revenue, which makes up 65% of the 22-year old company’s annual budget, for six months – a devastating blow to an organization committed to providing work to regional artists. Jobsite will not fully understand the financial impact of these cancellations until the end of summer, but estimates range from $55,000 to $105,000 — the bulk of which would have gone to artist payroll.

The artistic ensemble of Jobsite is currently weathering self-isolation by creating online content such as musical covers, time-lapse videos of art projects, “day in the life” videos, and even playing Shakespearean MadLibs. Follow Jobsite on social media or visit jobsitetheater.org/blogsite to see the latest.”

I’d like to reiterate the Shakespeare MadLib contest. We still have 10 words available, and you can pick one up for as little as $1. We would really love to close this out and move to the next phase where we auction off a dramatic reading. Roxanne and I explain here, if you want to know more.

I will continue to share news with you as it comes to me as well as pass on these things we’re working on from our homes to help keep us sane and hopefully offer others some diversion. There is a lot more on the way. 

We’d love to hear from you, too, especially if you think there are ways we can help any corner of the community under our current circumstances. We will always do whatever we can.

Miss you all,

-dj