2021-22 SEASON Q&A WITH THE EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR
As Seraphic Fire prepares to launch its 2021-22 Season, Executive Director Rhett Del Campo answers a few common questions from patrons – the what, when, why, and how of planning for a post-pandemic season: 1. WHEN WILL SERAPHIC FIRE RESUME NORMAL CONCERT ACTIVITIES? Our COVID-19 Task Force, which includes a virologist, epidemiologist, physician, and choral scholars, has advised us that a safe return to in-person choral performances will be possible as early as Fall 2021 given the current positive outlook and the efficacy of vaccines. We are eager to present a full season of seven programs following our usual schedule with the first subscription concerts November 4 - 7, 2021. We expect that in-person concerts November through January will have modifications to ensure safety. As a result, those concerts might only be available to subscribers. Because of this, we also will offer a digital option for all three programs.
2. HOW WILL SERAPHIC FIRE ENSURE A SAFE CONCERT ENVIRONMENT FOR ITS AUDIENCES? Seraphic Fire staff, with assistance of our COVID-19 Task Force, will make appropriate arrangements to follow and implement recommended safety measures from the CDC and local jurisdictions including mask requirements for everyone on site, temperature screenings, socially distanced seating, and capacity limits. Additionally, we might require proof of vaccination for all attendees if recommended by experts. In addition, our venues are making modifications such as additional signage, cleanings, and re-configuration of the seating areas. While the situation continues to evolve, and conditions at the time of our first scheduled concerts currently are hard to determine, Seraphic Fire is confident in our ability to provide a safe experience for everyone. And, we plan to make digital concert experiences available for those who choose not to attend in person.
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3. WHY ARE YOU PLANNING FOR NEXT SEASON AND SELLING SUBSCRIPTIONS SO EARLY WHEN THERE IS STILL SO MUCH UNCERTAINTY? Advance planning is what makes a season successful - develop unique programs, secure the best artists, reserve our preferred venues on the preferred dates, develop marketing plans and materials, submit successful proposals for financial support, etc. To do this, Seraphic Fire must commit substantial financial resources through contracts with artists,venues, and service providers well over a year in advance. While it may seem premature to some to be promoting and selling our programs for next season, it is vital that we secure your commitment to next season now so that we can continue planning with confidence. Without your buy-in, we would be unable to commit to presenting the most compelling and highest quality programs.
4. WHAT IF MY SEASON TICKETS TURN OUT TO BE UNUSABLE BECAUSE OF A RESURGENCE OF THE PANDEMIC? In the unlikely event that Seraphic Fire is forced to cancel in-person concerts during the 2021-22 Season, we will provide our patrons with the same flexibility we offered at the onset of the pandemic. If necessary, your options will include the ability to exchange into future seasons, change your purchase into a donation for tax credit, or receive a full refund.
