Parallel 45 Cancels Summer Theatre Festival

Traverse City nonprofit Parallel 45 announced Wednesday it is cancelling its Summer 2020 Theatre Festival due to the coronavirus pandemic.

"We’ve spent weeks tracking the closures of spring events across the country and, over the past few days, we’ve watched these cancellations creep into the summer. More than anything, we wish we could say that northern Michigan is exempt from this reality, but as we all know, the impact of COVID-19 is very real here," organizers wrote on the P45 website. "Artists from around the globe; immersive, up-close productions; and high-contact, physical work are the hallmarks of Parallel 45. These unique ingredients make us who we are; but, in this moment, we are challenged by the fact that these elements are directly at odds with our health and safety. Thus, we have made the difficult decision to cancel our Summer 2020 Theatre Festival."

Those who have purchased a season subscription or a single ticket to 2020 summer productions are eligible for a full refund, or can convert the purchase to a tax-deductible donation. "The uncertainty of this moment strikes at the heart of why we do what we do. Theatre doesn’t stick its head in the stand, it doesn’t shy away from heartbreaking situations, it doesn’t refuse to recognize the harsh edges of reality," organizers wrote. "Instead, theatre recognizes new realities, takes a deep breath, and responds with vision and compassion, imagining a future where we all want to live. Where we’ll all gather together again, just as soon as we can."