It’s Only Intermission

Dear friends of the Wirtz Center,

I hope this finds you and your loved ones safe and healthy. If you’re at home, I hope you’ve found a moment or two to focus on the simple joys of spending extra time with your family or connecting virtually with friends. If you’re working on the frontlines in healthcare, grocery stores, manufacturing, law enforcement or in another essential role, thank you for your bravery and service to our community.

The pandemic has forced many of us into an unprecedented “pause”—something that doesn’t happen often in the world and rarely in the performing arts sector. We have had to cancel or postpone many meaningful performances, rehearsals, readings, projects, and so much more. I am grateful for your patience and kindness in doing so. But, it’s only intermission, as the arts will flourish again as it once again becomes safe for another act.

One of the hallmarks of the Wirtz Center is collaboration, bringing people together, creating a sense of connection and sharing and reveling in the joy of the arts while fostering a sense of community. This hallmark endures, however it is taking on a new form for a little while.

In the midst of the unknown, it is important to remember the power of the arts to connect us as a community and remember no one is alone. We know everyone needs to feel connected now more than ever, so we at the Wirtz Center are continuing to do what we do best: #sharethearts. From dance performances, to National Theatre Live screenings, to Imagine U Storytime to showcasing our talented students, staff and faculty, we are busy sharing the arts virtually to bring joy and culture into your lives. If you haven’t had the opportunity, we’d invite you to enjoy:

Imagine U Storytime – This weekly video series created to engage can be accessed on the new Wirtz Center YouTube channel as part of the Wirtz Center’s ongoing effort to #sharethearts and connect audiences with high-quality arts experiences across its digital channels. The weekly video installments, each last approximately 15 minutes, will premiere Sundays at 6 p.m., and will remain posted for streaming after their premiere date.

National Theatre Live Performances – As part of The Wirtz Center for the Performing Arts #sharethearts effort, the National Theatre will be releasing a selection of much-loved National Theatre Live productions to be made available to watch on YouTube for FREE over the next two months titles will be available for one week only. Each production will be screened live every Thursday at 2 p.m. CST (7p.m. GMT), it will then be available on demand for seven days. Upcoming productions streamed as part of NATIONAL THEATRE AT HOME are Frankenstein, April 30, this Danny Boyle’s 2011 production features Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller; and Antony & Cleopatra, May 7, starring Ralph Fiennes and Sophie Okonedo. This Simon Godwin production ran in 2018.

Danceworks 2020 – The athleticism and grace of Northwestern dance students are showcased in ‘Things That Matter,’ the 2020 edition of Danceworks. Watch the Danceworks Video Playlist for these new pieces created by guest choreographers Miguel Angel Gamero Ortega and Nicole Clarke-Springer and Northwestern dance faculty Jeffery Hancock and Joel Valentín-Martinez.

Senior Showcase Performances – As part of our continued efforts to #sharethearts, we’ll feature Northwestern University Department of Theatre’s 2020 New York Showcase Acting and Music Theatre Students each Saturday for the next several weeks. While an in-person showcase had to be cancelled, we are excited to share the work of these 29 amazing up-and-coming artists with everyone. To view, visit the Wirtz Center YouTube Channel.

And, we’re working on sharing even more…

Like you, we look forward to when we can meet again in one of our performance spaces, and please know that the Wirtz Center will be taking additional cautionary measures to make sure our spaces are safe for everyone once we reopen. We appreciate your dedication to our Center and to our students, staff and faculty and thank you for your continued support during these challenging times.

Until then, #sharethearts…

Al Heartley
Managing Director
Wirtz Center for the Performing Arts

P.S. Visit our Northwestern University Arts Circle partners for more great art.