As the number COVID-19 cases spike in Texas, Ground Floor Theatre has announced that it is unable to produce shows or accommodate any rental performances through at least January 2021.
“Unfortunately, because of the COVID-19 crisis, we have made the difficult decision to remain closed to performances and audiences until 2021,” Co-Artistic Directors Lisa Scheps and Patti Neff-Tiven said in a statement. “All our planned productions will be postponed or canceled, and all shows scheduled at Ground Floor Theatre, have also been canceled.”
In addition to producing its own show, Ground Floor is popular performance venue in Austin for many small and medium arts organizations among them Paper Chairs Theatre, KDH Dance Company and LOLA (Local Opera Local Artists). Part of a converted warehouse complex on Springdale Road in East Austin, the theater is one of the few available for non-profit groups to use.
Scheps and Neff-Tiven said that while performances have been canceled, they will continue to present programming online and also make the space available as appropriate.
“(We) will be making the space available to other theatre artists and non-profits to record videos or rehearse in a safe and socially distanced atmosphere using CDC, state, and local guidelines. In addition, we are working with a food pantry to provide warehouse and distribution space.”
In 2021, Ground Floor plans to premiere two plays by Austin-based writers: “rain falls special on me” by Lane Michael Stanley and “Dinner” by playwright Lisa B. Thompson.
