Blyth Festival reaches out to the community for help

Dear friends:

I don’t usually share this kind of concern with you. But these are desperate times.

Our box office has sold a total of 19 tickets since the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic hit. That means our cash flow is basically zero, and our entire 2020 season is in jeopardy.

We hope government assistance may help us keep some staff on board until the economy recovers. But even so, we need your help to pay our other bills.

Like the writers we’ve commissioned for 2020. And the heat, the mortgage, the rent for various properties we have committed to for the season, the hydro. And the 25 per cent of staff salaries not covered by the government’s emergency plan – if we qualify for it.

Will you send a special gift today to help us through this crisis?

I had a call yesterday from Kelly McIntosh, one of nine writers we’ve commissioned to write new plays for 2020. She’s been working with the festival for many years and is a co-playwright for “Airborne: The Life and Legacy of Lorna Bray.” She is not sure how she’s going to pay her bills this month. She was calling to make sure Blyth would be able to pay her for the amazing work she’s already begun.

Your gift today will help us meet our commitments to artists like Kelly (McIntosh).

I know you may be facing financial uncertainty right now. So if you are not in a position to help us, I completely understand. However, if you can help, please know you will be helping one of Canada’s most unique cultural organizations. This place has been here for 46 years. There is no way I can, or will, let that change.

Like all theatres, we run a responsible (if tight) budget. But we simply couldn’t have planned for this. We need your help now to make sure our staff and artists are here for you when this terrible storm has passed.

Thank you so much,
Gil Garratt
Artistic director
Blyth Festival Theatre

DONATE! Make an emergency gift to help the Blyth Festival re-establish cash flow during the Coronavirus Pandemic of $50, $75, $100, or any amount you can afford.