Based on the resurgence of COVID-19 and the unpredictability of public gatherings resuming, the Pacific Conservatory Theatre (PCPA) has announced it will delay holding live performances in Santa Maria and Solvang until June 2021. The company also announced the suspension of its two-year conservatory programs (for acting and technical theater) until August 2021.
“In spite of our detailed plan for the resumption of on-site work and instruction, as we prioritize the health and safety of each company member, the hypothetical risks of a COVID exposure creates too much risk and uncertainty,” Mark Booher, PCPA’s artistic director, said in a statement. “We are planning to shift our focus and conserve our resources to try to have ourselves in the strongest position possible for production in summer ’21.”
Orcutt Community Theater will also postpone its next season, Alan Sutterfield, president of the group, told the Sun via email. Although an official reopening date has not been announced, the company plans to resume productions once it’s safe for its primary venue, Klein Dance Arts (KDA) in Santa Maria, to host gatherings.
“We will restart our season when conditions allow KDA to hold indoor live performances,” Sutterfield said in the email.
For more updates on PCPA or Orcutt Community Theater, visit pcpa.org or orcuttcommunitytheater.org, respectively.
This article appears in Aug 20-27, 2020.
