The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts announced that it has canceled all previously scheduled full-capacity programs through April 25, 2021 due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
A large portion of the late spring and early summer touring programs organized by the venue have also been canceled.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share this news. Your health is our priority, but we miss you in our theaters and sharing the joy of the live performing arts together,” the Kennedy Center said in Wednesday’s press release.
As gathering together continues to risk the health of our community, we are sad to share that the Kennedy Center has canceled all previously scheduled full-capacity programs through April 25, 2021, and select programs extending through the summer. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/AGvTVtvhNT
— The Kennedy Center (@kencen) November 18, 2020
Ticket holders to the canceled performances will be offered the following options:
- Donate the value to help sustain us throughout our closure, and receive a full tax deduction
- Use the value for a future Kennedy Center program
- Exchange your value for a Kennedy Center gift certificate, which can be used on tickets, gift shop purchases, parking fees, and more
- Receive a refund
Staff at the venue will contact ticket holders via email soon.
The Kennedy Center has also launched an online platform called Digital Stage+, which features new concerts and other performances as well as never-before-seen events from its archive. Subscribers, members and donors can have free access to the service.
The statement called on the public to donate to the center, saying that the cancelation of events has been “devastating” and that donations are now the primary source of support for the center’s staff and artists who are still creating content online.