June 19, 2020 Update
STATEMENT FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF CHANTICLEERS THEATRE REGARDING DIVERSITY AND INCLUSIVENESS
Chanticleers Theatre is committed to diversity and inclusiveness in every facet of executing our mission of bringing high quality, live, community theatre to Castro Valley and the surrounding communities. As such, we condemn recent events of hate towards the black community. And, we are using this moment as the impetus for us to review our commitment, and to make any necessary changes to our policies, procedures, and practices to ensure that this commitment continues to grow and evolve in practice. In addition, it is our intention to have our stakeholders participate in this process to gain a diversity of opinions to guide our decision making.
A NOTE FROM OUR ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, JOHN BAIOCCHI:
In order to begin immediately to review and enhance our commitment to diversity and inclusion, we are re-examining our choices of shows to present at our theatre. We strive to produce a variety of plays and musicals that are inclusive and reflect our commitment to ensuring that Chanticleers is welcoming to all. As a result, we will not be producing The Foreigner in October of 2021. The material, while well-meaning and satirical, is no longer appropriate. We will find a more relevant title to present in its place and will announce that choice in the coming months.
Additionally, Chanticleers is looking to diversify our leadership team. As such, we are seeking to build our pool of show director and Board of Director candidates who represent the diversity of our community. If you or someone you know has an interest in learning more about either of these positions, please contact me directly at director@chanticleers.org. We welcome and encourage inquiries from all members of our community.
May 29, 2020 Update
Important Announcement Regarding
Chanticleers Theatre’s 2020 & 2021 Seasons
Remainder of 2020 Season postponed until 2021
due to COVID-19 Pandemic
As we have throughout this pandemic, our first thoughts are for the health and well-being of you and yours. The health and safety of the entire Chanticleers’ family – audience members, staff, creative teams, performers, and volunteers – is of the utmost importance to us.
With that in mind, along with the uncertainty created by this situation, the Board of Directors has made the very difficult decision to postpone the remainder of the 2020 season until 2021. This means that The Foreigner, The Bridges of Madison County, and Mamma Mia will now be presented in 2021 and that there will be no “mainstage” productions for the remainder of 2020. This was a very hard decision to make, but one that we feel is in the best interest of not only the Chanticleers’ family but also the community at large.
At this point, using our best judgement of future events, here is our current plan. This is pending approval by the royalty houses and so there is a possibility of future adjustments, but we are reasonably confident that this schedule will hold:
Chanticleers Theatre 2021 Season:
1. The Bridges of Madison County, previously rescheduled to open in October 2020, will now be presented April 16, 2021 – May 16, 2021.
2. Mamma Mia, previously rescheduled to open in February 2021, will now be presented July 16, 2021 – August 15, 2021.
3. The Foreigner, previously scheduled to open in July 2020, will now be presented October 15. 2021 – November 7, 2021.
Again, this schedule is pending approval by the royalty houses and, of course, the situation with the virus.
2020 Flex Pass Holders: If we don’t hear from you, we will simply roll over your Flex Pass to our 2021 season. So, you can use your 2020 Flex Pass for our 2021 season of shows at no extra charge. If you are unable to use your 2020 Flex Pass in 2021, please consider donating the remaining portion to our theatre (we certainly could use the support, especially at this time). Or, if you would like to request a refund for the unused portion of your 2020 Flex Pass, we are happy to accommodate your request – simply contact the box office staff at reservations@chanticleers.org or call 510-SEE-LIVE (733-5483). We appreciate your continued support.
For those who have purchased tickets: If you have purchased tickets for a specific day to attend The Foreigner, The Bridges of Madison County, or Mamma Mia, we will simply move your tickets to the same day within the new timeframe. Of course, if you would like to change days, donate your ticket price, or request a refund, we are happy to accommodate your request – simply contact the box office staff at reservations@chanticleers.org or call 510-SEE-LIVE (733-5483).
How else you can help us: Like any small business, we continue to have overhead expenses (rent, insurance, etc.) during this next year when we will not have any income. So, any tax-deductible donation you could consider would be greatly appreciated. CLICK HERE TO DONATE NOW or send a check to us at P.O. Box 2021, Castro Valley, CA 94546.
Finally, if possible, we do plan to create some art for you during the remainder of 2020 and early 2021. We are exploring some options to present a small cast, one act show and/or a cabaret style show likely offered via online streaming. We are already in touch with the royalty houses and some groundwork is underway for these offerings. Please watch for further information and support us in these endeavors if at all possible.
All of us at Chanticleers want to thank you for your patience and please know how much we appreciate your support. And, when the situation allows, we hope that you will not only see our shows but also support the wide range of theatre available here in the Bay Area. All theatre companies are struggling to get back on our feet and we all need your support now more than ever.