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Dear OJP Theatre Family,

Just a few days ago, the final performances of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf were being enthusiastically witnessed by full houses of patrons enjoying the work, the drinks, and the conversation. As we were concluding that successful run we looked forward to a month of great improv, weekly classes, and a children’s recital followed by the opening of the wonderful play Red by John Logan.

 

Now our stage is dark and our OJP studio theatre sits in silence waiting for better days when the work, the love, and the passion can once again shine under its lights.   On March 12, in light of worsening news about the spread of COVID 19, OJP decided to postpone all shows through the end of March.  We hoped, as many others, that this virus could be contained quickly and that life would return to normal.  That, sadly, has not been the case.

 

Difficult times call for difficult measures. This weekend the Board of Ophelia’s Jump decided continue the cancellation of all improv shows, fundraising events, and classes and to postpone the opening of Red until it is safe to open again.  Because we are an ever optimistic bunch, we set a new tentative opening date of May 22. However, that date will change again if the threat of COVID19 has not abated by then. The health of our patrons, staff, and artists is paramount. 

 

OJP produces the Midsummer Shakespeare Festival each summer. The Festival has become a community tradition each July and draws people from all over Southern California. OJP’s ability to produce the festival is being impacted by several factors.

1. The threat of COVID19 must have abated for the festival to go forward.

2. Pomona College must have lifted its restrictions on events for the festival to go on at the Sontag.

3. AB5 (the law that has effectively shut down independent contractors in CA) must either have been amended to exempt nonprofit theatre, or we will need to raise sufficient funds to cover the much higher expenses.

 

Despite these challenges, OJP is making plans for alternative venues and formats for the Shakespeare Festival so that it can go forward. If COVID19 has passed, we hope that the Festival can be one of the first opportunities for our community to gather, give thanks, and celebrate better times ahead. We also are continuing to make plans for our Summer Shakespeare Camp and plan to again offer scholarships for children whose families cannot afford the cost. After these trying times, we think it is especially important to offer kids creative, supportive learning opportunities and a return to normalcy.

 

We are also feeling the weight of the financial difficulty that our temporary shutdown is causing our artists and crew. So despite our darkened stage, OJP administrators and board continue to volunteer their time so that we can be ready to reopen and serve our community as soon as it is safe and responsible to do so.

 

All of us who run OJP want to thank each of our patrons and especially our members and subscribers without whose support we could not continue to exist. I know that many of you are stressed and feeling the effects of these uncertain times. We hope to bring you new and exciting opportunities to think, laugh, and share in the communal art of theatre as soon as possible.

We Could Use Some Help if You are Able.

Our deepest hope while we push forward is that you might consider making a donation. We realize that these are uncertain times for all of us, but the noble act of a donation now will do more than just support Ophelia’s Jump in a difficult moment—it is a bold act of solidarity in the face of uncertainty. By donating now, you join our staff, artists and board in pressing forward, undaunted, in the act of ensuring professional theatre continues to thrive in our community. If we can count on your donation, please click here.

With warmth, sadness and anticipation for much more joyful times together,

 

Ophelia’s Jump Productions

 

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