Racine Theatre Guild COVID-19 Updates

Updated 10/30/20

When the Racine Theatre Guild announced the reformatting of our 83rd season as Season 2020/2021: Act 2 in June, we had hoped to be able to welcome you all back to perform and experience live theatre in early 2021. We have strategized many ways to potentially reopen both in a financially stable way and keeping our cast, crew, and audience’s health and safety top of mind. After planning and replanning as we have watched COVID-19 cases rise, we have had to face the reality that mounting a full, large scale productions will not be possible.

As a result, the Board of Directors has agreed that the safe and responsible thing to do is to cancel our mainstage performances of Season 83 2020/2021: Act 2. This includes:

Clue: On Stage, January 15 – 31, 2021
Always A Bridesmaid, February 26 – March 14, 2021
Akeelah and the Bee, April 9 – 25, 2021

However, Mamma Mia! will remain on the calendar as a bonus show for its May 14 – June 6, 2021 run.

Our Box Office staff will be working to contact season ticket holders over the next few days. Some important things to note:

2020/2021 Season Tickets & Flex Passes

- Current season ticket and flex pass holders will be called to discuss your refund or donation options.

Akeelah and the Bee

- Individual ticket holders will be automatically refunded for their tickets.

2019/2020 Flex Passes

- If you have flex passes remaining from the 2019/2020 season, they will be valid for all of our 2021/2022 performances.

Gift Certificates

- Gift certificates with expiration dates between March 15, 2020 and June 30, 2021 will be honored for the 2021/2022 season.

We truly appreciate your patience and understanding throughout this process. The Box Office will be available to answer any questions or concerns at (262) 633-4218 and be temporarily open Monday – Thursday, 12 – 4 p.m.

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We know this is a disappointing and heavy announcement for so many. The realities of the COVID-19 pandemic are that we have to face impossible choices of how our theatre moves forward. Our first priority is keeping the volunteers, staff and patrons safe. Reopening will need to take place in stages with smaller casts and crews, shorter production timelines, and limited audiences with social distanced seating before we can present a full season of shows.

“To put it plainly, it’s a very sad decision to make,” Doug Instenes shared. “We continually hear from everyone about how much they miss the theatre and how they can’t wait to come back. We are one of the oldest continuous community theatres in the state of Wisconsin with 82 consecutive years of performing live theatre. I’m hopeful that we can safely continue that proud tradition soon.”

Updated 11/18/20

Racine Theatre Guild Box Office will be closed November 23 – November 27 and will reopen the week of November 30 to the public on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12 – 4 p.m. Please keep the following in mind during your visit:

Per the City of Racine’s ordinance, masks are required when entering our building
If you or one of your family members symptoms associated with COVID-19, please visit at a later time
Maintain a safe distance of six feet with patrons and Box Office staff
We will be are disinfecting high-touch surfaces frequently and have hand sanitizer available for use

FAQs

I had purchased season tickets or flex passes. Can I get a refund?

Yes, our box office will be calling you regarding the option to refund or donate the cost of your tickets and flex passes. You can also reach out to us directly at (262) 633-4218.

I had "Akeelah and the Bee" tickets for 2019/2020. Can I get a refund?

Yes, our box office will be automatically be refunding your “Akeelah and the Bee” tickets.

I have "Mamma Mia!" tickets. Are those still good?

Yes, Mamma Mia! is currently moving forward as scheduled.

Will I still be able to use my 2019/2020 flex passes?

Our 2019/2020 Season Flex Passes list June 30, 2020 as their expiration date. However, they will be valid for all of our 2021/2022 Season.

I have a gift certificate that expires soon. How will I be able to use it?

Any gift certificates with expiration dates between March 15, 2020 and June 30, 2021 will be honored for the 2021/2022 season.

What will your guidelines be for COVID-19 safety?

We are continually monitoring follow regulations and recommendations from governmental agencies and industry standards. We are already underway in redesigning our bathrooms with motion sensored soap dispensers, faucets, and paper towel dispensers. We will also be installed bipolar ionization units to our present furnaces. They are reported to deactivate the COVID-19 surface strain with a 99.4% reduction. We will continue to develop safety protocols that will be announced closer to our reopening.

How can I help support RTG?

As a nonprofit, community theatre, over 65% of our funding comes from ticket sales. Due to the generosity of our donors and the talents of our volunteers, we have been trying to maintain our overhead costs throughout our closure. However, extending our closure puts a strain on our financial resources and there are couple of ways you can help support our ability to continue “lighting up lives at all stage”:

Make a contribution to the Racine Theatre Guild
- Visit our Donation page or mail gifts to Racine Theatre Guild, 2519 Northwestern Ave., Racine, WI 53404!
Follow Racine Theatre Guild on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter
- Comment, share, and tell your stories to spread the word about RTG!

Who can I contact with questions?

The Racine Theatre Guild Box Office is currently open Monday – Thursday, 12 – 4 p.m. Visit us in person or call (262) 633-4218 with any questions or for more information.

COVID-19 Update