OCEAN CITY – Unfortunately, the old saying “the show must go on” will not apply to the Ocean City Theatre Company’s 2020 season.
OCTC has made the difficult decision to cancel its Summer Broadway Series and Music Pier Children’s Theatre Series. “Ultimately the safety of our staff, artists, students and patrons are at the foundation of this decision” said a spokesperson for the theatre company.
The company has suspended all camp/class programming until it can evaluate how to offer educational opportunities that adhere to the guidelines mandated by state and local health authorities.
Auditions for OCTC’s Junior Company and “The Sound Of Music” Von Trapp kids scheduled for June 5, 6 and 7 have been cancelled. OCTC is looking at ways to continue the Junior Company and they encourage fans to watch oceancitytheatrecompany.com for more information in the near future.
Each summer the Ocean City Theatre Company employs more than 150 educators, technicians, artists and designers. More than 300 youths participate in a summer camp or youth production and more than 8,000 patrons enjoy one of the company’s summer shows. This loss of employment and ticket revenue will be devastating for OCTC, the spokesperson said, but an even bigger loss will be the lack of arts, creativity and the magic that comes with live theatre in Ocean City.
Ticketholders for all shows will be contacted to process refunds or to see if they would be willing to show their support by turning ticket sales into donations. Please allow time for OCTC to reach out to everyone as the refund process is time consuming and theatre company officials are navigating their way through this unprecedented time.
The Ocean City Theatre Company is grateful for the patience, support and generosity during these challenging times. “For now, just think about this as an extra-long intermission and before we know it the curtain will rise on Act 2,” the spokesperson said.
For more information contact OCTheatreCo@yahoo.com or to make a donation to help keep OCTC’s mission alive, please mail checks payable to OCTC to 1501 West Ave., Ocean City, NJ 08226.