Dear TONYC community, 

As we all are working on the best ways to respond to the current health crisis, it is with a heavy yet resolute heart that we are announcing the cancellation of our next performance. Power Trap, created by and featuring the Ali Forney Center Forum Theatre Troupe, was planned to premiere at the National Black Theatre next week. We will continue to share information around cancellations and rescheduled events as soon as possible.

We are currently gathering as much information as we can. Following the advice of the CDC, it is crucial we do our part to contain this virus. We are committed to continuing to pay our actors, front of house team, and our Jokers for planned work that is now being canceled, in our effort to support our community. Our office team is going to be working from home until we have more information, but we continue to be available by phone and email for all questions and other needs related to our work. If anyone would like to reach out to me personally, please call my cell number at 610-597-8288 or email me at [email protected].

I encourage everyone to continue following the evolution of this situation, and recommend the following websites for the most up to date information:

• NYC Dept of Health fact sheets and information
• Lawyer's Alliance recommendations for non-profits
• From NYC: If you are feeling stressed or anxious about a potential outbreak, you can contact NYC Well at 888-NYC-WELL (888-692-9355) or text WELL to 65173. NYC WELL is a confidential helpline that is staffed 24/7 by trained counselors who can provide brief supportive therapy, crisis counseling, and connections to behavioral health treatment and support. 
• Flatten the Coronavirus Curve - a case for containment and why social distancing is the key to limiting the spread of the virus
• Resources for Freelancers

In the meantime, we hold you all close and encourage you to take care of yourselves and those in your extended community in whatever way feels most appropriate to you. This is not a time for panic, but for compassion, learning, and flexibility. In this way, it is my hope that once we do have more information, and when we can begin again to plan our future, we can do so with clarity, solidarity and resilience. 

Be well, fellow spec-actors, and I look forward to seeing you soon. 

In solidarity,

Meggan Gomez

Executive Director, Theatre of the Oppressed NYC