Valdosta, GA. – During the regularly scheduled Board of Directors meeting for Theatre Guild Valdosta (TGV) held remotely via video conference on Tuesday, April 14, the governing board made the difficult decision to suspend the remainder of the 31st / 2019-2020 season. The decision comes as a response to recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and local guidelines to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
The decision impacts all remaining productions slated for the end of the 31st / 2019-2020 season including the Main Stage production of Mystery, Mayhem & Murder originally scheduled to open May 14-17 as well as the Gingerbread Players production of Fairy Tale Misfits scheduled for early June.
Fairy Tale Misfits, which had yet to hold auditions, was removed from the Theatre Guild Valdosta schedule completely. The Gingerbread Players are slated to return later this year with shows currently scheduled for the 32nd / 2020 – 2021 season.
While there are hopes to eventually bring Mystery, Mayhem & Murder, which has been in rehearsals since late February, to the TGV stage at a later date, any official plans will be based upon advice from local, state and federal public health officials. The health and safety of our patrons, casts, and crew are TGV’s number one priority.
Theatre Guild Valdosta joins many other theatres and performing arts venues around the nation forced to make adjustments to their programming.
“One of the things I miss the most right now is being with my theatre family – the actors, tech crew, and production staff,” said TGV President Patti Cook Robertson in a statement regarding the decision.
“I miss the excitement of opening night, working on awesome sets, hearing the costumers ‘ooh and aah’ over one of their creations, and hearing excited children involved in perhaps their first production. I miss the bow at the end of the show and I even miss taking down a set at the end of a run. Mostly I miss greeting audiences afterward in front of The Dosta Playhouse… I miss YOU, our patrons and faithful supporters of the past 31 seasons. Even though I am missing all of this now, I am even more excited and hopeful about when we return, when the marquee once again lights up downtown Valdosta. It is our hope and desire to continue bringing you quality entertainment when this has run its course.
There are a lot of superstitions surrounding theatre. For example, take the ghost light – a single bulb left burning whenever a theatre is dark. Some argue that it chases away mischievous spirits; others insist it lights the way for the ghosts that already inhabit every theatre, keeping them happy and content. The ghost light also serves a more practical purpose: helping us find our way back to the stage in the dark. Theatre Guild Valdosta is excited about our 32nd season and we can’t wait till we all find our way back. Until then, the stage is waiting… and we’ve kept a light on for you.”
For more information please contact us by email at tgv@bellsouth.net.
