Welcome to Curtain Call 2020

Welcome to Curtain Call 2020!

We are grateful to be able to come together virtually to celebrate the excellence and diversity of New Jersey ’ s professional theatre community.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for our field. From the moment that the severity of the public health crisis came to light, our theatres showed courage and leadership by putting the safety of their communities first. The financial repercussions of extended closures cannot be overstated. But despite this existential hardship, the incredible theatre community of New Jersey has come together to offer innovative virtual programs, safe outdoor performances, and a robust upcoming season of digital and live events. Theatre is at its core about connection, and we are extremely proud of the way that New Jersey ’ s theatres have offered opportunities for people to come together through the power of the arts.

The year 2020 marks two important anniversaries for the theatre field. It is the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, a landmark piece of legislation increasing access for individuals with disabilities in all sectors, including arts and culture. 2020 is also “The Year of the Stage Manager, ” the 100th anniversary of the first stage management contract with Actors Equity Association. Our Star Award Honoree, Mills + Schnoering Architects, and our Award of Excellence honorees, the Stage Managers of our member theatres, were selected with these two milestones in mind, and we are thrilled to celebrate them this evening.

We offer our sincere appreciation to this year ’ s Curtain time, creativity, and generosity in making tonight possible. Call Committee for their

Thank you for joining us tonight. Your support will help ensure that our theatres can reopen safely when the time comes. It has been a great privilege of the Alliance to serve our member theatres during these trying times. There is much more to be done, but we remain optimistic and hopeful about the future of our field. We can ’t wait to gather with you in person once again when the curtains rise. In the meantime, enjoy this evening, and don ’t miss the Zoom after-party to connect and celebrate with your colleagues!

With gratitude,

JOHN WOOTEN Chair, Board of Trustees

LARRY CAPO President, Board of Trustees

JOHN McEWEN Executive Director