Dobama Theatre Suspends Remainder Of Season Due To Coronavirus

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH — Dobama Theatre will suspend the rest of its 2019-2020 season, the company announced on Wednesday. Dobama officials said the decision to close will have significant and distressing financial impacts for the company.

"The suspending of the remainder of the 19/20 season combined with the cancellation of our 60th anniversary gala and loss of multiple performances this past fall as a result of the microburst storm that knocked out power in our Cleveland Heights neighborhood, will a have devastating impact on Dobama," the theater said in a letter to the community.

Dobama officials believe the financial repercussions will extend into 2020 and beyond. "Significant cutbacks will very likely be inevitable," the company said in its letter.

"Any contributions you can make at this time would be greatly appreciated. These donations will go directly to personnel, supporting local professional theatre artists and staff, making it possible for Dobama Theatre to keep its doors open once this pandemic has passed," the company said.

Plans for the Future

Dobama officials said they hope they can continue performances of "Dance Nation" later this summer. Anyone with tickets to a canceled performance of the show will be contacted with information when new performances can be scheduled.

"We also hope to mount our production of The Other Place at some point in the future, but that likely would not be until sometime in 2021. We will pass along information as we know more," Dobama officials said.

Any Dobama members who have remaining membership vouchers for the 2019-2020 season can turn those vouchers into a donation or apply those vouchers to the 2020-2021 season.

"If you choose to make these vouchers a donation, thank you - you need take no further action. We’ll handle it for you and you will receive an acknowledgement letter in the mail. By donating your ticket back to Dobama, you are helping limit the financial impact as well as helping our staff weather this difficult period. If you would like to roll these vouchers over to the 20/21 season, simply indicate this when purchasing your 20/21 membership," Dobama officials said.

Dobama's administrative offices are currently closed so customers and members are asked not to call the theater company's phone line. Instead, contact the box office via email at boxoffice@dobama.org.

"Please note there will be a delayed reply as we adjust to these new working conditions, but our dedicated staff will be responding as quickly as possible with any information that we have at that time. We will be sure to let you know when our offices are open again for phone calls," Dobama officials said.

While the present may seem bleak, the future can still be promising, Dobama officials said.

"Our thoughts are with everyone; our patrons, staff, artists, and their families at this uncertain time. For the past 60 years, Dobama Theatre has overcome many obstacles and challenges because of the support of the community we serve here in Northeast Ohio. We remain grateful for that support which makes all we do possible. We look forward to welcoming you back to Dobama Theatre again soon! In the meantime, stay healthy, stay safe, and let’s all take care of each other," officials said in their letter.