Submitted
Editor’s note: The following is a letter from Lori Raffel, President of the Carmel Community Players Board of Directors, on the board’s decision to cancel remaining performances of “The Last 5 Years,” along with all other live performances that were previously scheduled for the rest of the calendar year.
Dear CCP Patrons and Volunteers:
It is with much disappointment that we inform you that Carmel Community Players is closing our current show The Last 5 Years, and will not have a third weekend as originally planned.
Early this morning we were informed that one of our show staff tested positive for COVID-19. This individual did not have direct contact with audience members, but did have contact with the cast. Neither cast member shows any symptoms at this time, but in an abundance of caution, we are canceling the show and advising the cast get tested as soon as possible. Those who purchased tickets for the final weekend of The Last 5 Years will be given refunds through our Vendini Ticketing software.
When we decided to resume our season several months ago, Indiana, our country and the world were in a much different place. We now feel strongly that in the best interest of our patrons and volunteers, we must cancel all in-person activities for the remainder of the year, which means that Shipwrecked! An Entertainment and our holiday show will not be happening as planned. We will make an informed decision on the status of our 2020-2021 season at a later date.
Current season ticket holders will be given the choice to either receive a refund for the last show of the season, or donate that amount to CCP for use in finding a new home and future show expenses.
I have spoken with the show staff member personally, and in addition to having his temperature checked each night, he did wear a mask while he was at the theater. He has assured me that his direct contact was limited to the performers and crew, and he stayed backstage during Saturday’s entire performance. However, if you have questions and would like to speak to me, please call the CCP phone at (317) 815-9387 – the phone is forwarded to my cell, and I will personally respond to all calls.
Every one of us involved with CCP is here because theatre is our passion, but safety must be foremost in our mind. Thank you for your support of CCP and please look for further communication about this and other future topics.
Sincerely,
Lori Raffel
President
Carmel Community Players Board of Directors