Skip to content

Shaw Festival stage to remain dark through August

Shaw Festival CEO Tim Jennings (David Cooper) The Shaw Festival has been forced to cancel all public events and performances scheduled in August, due to the extension of the provincial emergency orders and the continuation of the state of emergency i
Shaw Festival CEO Tim Jennings (David Cooper)

The Shaw Festival has been forced to cancel all public events and performances scheduled in August, due to the extension of the provincial emergency orders and the continuation of the state of emergency in Niagara.

An announcement Monday said, “in discussion with and under the guidance of The Shaw’s insurer, it has become clear that scheduled performances cannot proceed as originally planned.”

“While we are disappointed with these further cancellations, we are focusing our energy on planning for the future, so that we can safely welcome audiences back to our theatres, hopefully in September – even if in a more limited way,” said Tim Jennings, Shaw executive director and CEO. “In the meantime, we continue to stay in touch with our patrons through a number of digital and other initiatives, and thank you all for your support.”

The Shaw’s education and community outreach specialists (ECOS), an artist employment program supported by the Canadian emergency wage subsidy, and the generosity of Festival donors and the Shaw Guild, continue to create engaging digital content for Festival members, patrons and education partners.

The Festival recently launched Shaw from Home, content produced by artists in the ECOS program.

Shaw Festival administrative and box offices continue to be closed by provincial order until mid-July at the earliest. Ticket holders to cancelled performances will have the full value of their tickets held on their account.

A team of box office representatives is working remotely to contact ticket holders to discuss options, such as leaving money on account for future exchanges, converting the ticket value to a charitable donation, or issuing a refund.

 Patrons can visit shawfest.com for more information and direct any ticket-related questions to [email protected].

The Festival will continue to follow the guidance and directives of the local, provincial and federal governments, and Canadian public health agencies, to determine when it is safe to return to their stage.