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, it was announced Saturday.
“Ultimately the safety of our staff, artists, students and patrons are at the foundation of this decision,” the theatre company said in a press release.
The company has suspended all camp/class programming until it can evaluate how the OCTC will offer educational opportunities that adhere to the guidelines mandated by state and local health authorities during the coronavirus pandemic.
Auditions for OCTC’s Junior Company and The Sound of Music Von Trapp kids scheduled for June 5, 6 and 7 have been canceled.
OCTC is looking at ways to continue the Junior Company and encourages fans to visit oceancitytheatrecompany.com for more information in the near future.
Each summer the Ocean City Theatre Company employees more than 150 educators, technicians, artists and designers. Over 300 children participate in a summer camp or youth production and over 8,000 patrons enjoy one of the summer shows.
“This loss of employment and ticket revenue will be devastating for OCTC. However, an even bigger loss will be the lack of arts, creativity and the magic that comes with live theatre in Ocean City, N.J.,” the company said in its release.
Ticketholders for all shows will be contacted to process refunds or to see if they would be willing to show their support by turning their ticket sales into donations. Please allow time for OCTC to reach out to everyone for refunds.
For more information, contact OCTheatreCo@yahoo.com or to make a donation, please mail checks payable to OCTC to 1501 West Avenue, Ocean City, N.J. 08226.
