A huge blow for arts
The local arts and entertainment industry has been hit hard with a long list of cancelled or rescheduled events.
Warragul Cinema Centre
The cinema was forced to close its doors yesterday.
Duty manager Chloe Tuck said patronage had dropped dramatically as the centre reduced its regular sessions by half last week. Even finding films to screen was a struggle.
West Gippsland Arts Centre
At least 10 shows scheduled to appear at WGAC have been cancelled or postponed.
All theatre performances scheduled to take place over a four-week period from March 16 are affected.
These shows include Summer of the Seventeenth Doll (March 17), Mystery Theatre (March 20), Robertson Brothers and Live on the Deck (March 21), Judith Lucy Versus Men (March 27), Gruffalo’s Child (March 28) and Gippsland Symphony Orchestra (March 28).
Tickets to Mirusia (April 17), Mental as Everything (April 18) and World of Musicals (May 1) are no longer for sale.
WGAC said it was currently working with producers to see if shows can be rescheduled. Ticket holders will be contacted directly .
Warragul Youth Theatre
Its upcoming production of “Peter Rabbit”, set to be held at the arts centre from April 6 to 9, has been postponed. They are working towards securing new dates in the July school holidays.
Warragul Theatre Company
WTC announced it had no choice but to postpone its season of “Wicked” set for May 22 to 30 at the arts centre.
After initially stopping rehearsals for four weeks, the company took a further step and postponed the production on the weekend.
It is hoped to be rescheduled in May 2021.
Off the Leash
Production Rabbit Hole has been postponed until early 2021.
Eight shows were to be at Algie Hall in Neerim South and Drouin Secondary College Auditorium from March 27 to April 4.
Off the Leash vice president Jeannie Haughton said with a full calendar of events ahead, this was the best course of action to ensure this amazing show and cast could be showcased to the community.
Its information night and auditions for American Idiot, set to be performed in October, have also been postponed.
Wesley of Warragul
A concert by Robert Stolz Viennese Music Society on March 22 was postponed.
Baw Baw Arts Alliance
Bbaa has proposed its Winter Arts Market and various art groups were deciding if to continue.
The popular mosaic group will work from home whilst the mixed media and drawing group and weaving group will not operate until further notice.
Tanjil Valley Art Show
The committee has cancelled this year’s show set for early June at Hill End.
“Speaking to our sponsors, they have all unanimously agreed to return for next year’s show and as most have said, it will be a bigger and better ‘Greatest Little Art Show in Gippsland’,” said a statement.
A swing jazz concert set for April 5 at the Darnum Hall is cancelled.