JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — 25 weeks is the last time The Florida Theatre had a show.
Numa Saisselin, President of Florida Theatre says, “If you would have told me on March 12 which was the night of our last show what was about to happen, I would’ve said you’re crazy.”
Right now the theatre has a stage with no artists, seats with no fans, and 119 show workers with no work.
The Theatre and other venues have made it this far, but the future is still foggy.
“If we don’t have a little support it’s very likely that venues and clubs and theaters will start closing because they are going to run out of money.”
They need support because unlike movie theaters, putting on a show at a place like the Theatre involves people and lots them.
Not to mention, at 50% capacity and social distancing guidelines, the Theatre goes from 2000 spectators down to 487.
Saisselin explains, “487 people is just not financially Viable in round numbers we need at least 800 people to make a show financially viable.”
So they wait until they’re able to safely provide that live performance so many are longing for, but they can only wait so long.
“We need to make sure when this is all over that we are able to open again.”
To alert Congress and local communities, the Florida Theatre and other venues across the country will light their buildings red starting at 9 p.m.
In hopes of getting exposure and support from Congress to support and provide relief to the arts and entertainment venues that are still closed.
Cox Media Group
