Kennedy Center Cancels Most Programs Through End Of 2020

WASHINGTON, DC — The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in D.C. confirmed Tuesday it would be cancelling most of the previously announced events and performances through the end of this year. Some planned programs will be rescheduled for spring 2021 and beyond.

The performing arts center made the announcement in response to restrictions it was facing under the District's ongoing response to COVID-19, the illness associated with the new coronavirus.

“Our lives as we have known them have been upended by COVID-19, but the world continues to spin forward and we need artists now more than ever to help light the way,” said Kennedy Center President Deborah Rutter, in a release. “I am deeply proud of our staff and artists who have been forging new digital stages for audiences in the nation’s capital and across the country, and I am equally excited by the work being done to safely allow us to experience the arts once again in person as well. For our patrons with tickets to fall performances, we do ask for your patience and flexibility as we readjust season schedules.”

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser released guidance last week outlining the restrictions District residents and businesses would be facing as the city moved into Phase Two of its phased reopening this past Monday.

In Phase Two, the number of people allowed at mass gatherings increased to 50 people. In addition, theaters, cinemas and entertainment venues would remain closed. However, the District announced it would offer a waiver process to consider operations at a venue-specific request.

The Kennedy Center is developing new programing within the mayor's guidelines that will take advantage of its diverse indoor spaces and more than 130,000 square feet of outdoor green space, which would allow for social distancing. The center will also offer previously planned performances that had been moved to alternate venues. Updates about all of these performances will be announced in July.

The Kennedy Center also announced these changes to three of its signature events:

• The 43rd annual Kennedy Center Honors will is now scheduled for March 7, 2021.
• The 23rd Mark Twain Prize for American Humor will be presented on June 20, 2021.
• The National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) Opening Night Gala, originally scheduled for Sept.26, has been cancelled.

Due to these all of these changes, the Kennedy Center expects to lose an estimated $45.7 million in ticket sales and other income during the 2020-2021 season, according to the release. The center is looking at cost-cutting across the institution to retain as many artistic and staff positions as possible. It has already begun discussions with its constituent union partners.

The Center hopes to present updated seasons for the National Symphony Orchestra, Washington National Opera, and other programing in January, with an announcement about the offerings coming later this summer.

Subscribers holding tickets for affected performances will have the value of those tickets placed on account. Kennedy Center representatives will be in contact with options once amended seasons have been announced. More information for subscribers can be found online.

Also see ...

Bowser Announces Date, Guidance For Phase 2 Reopening