Artists give so much to the world. Most people have been able to cope with this tragedy by watching television or rewatching plays or live streams of readings and work. This is what we have been called to do. […] All we are asking is that we have what we need to be able to continue to be “essential soul workers” ... “essential comfort workers” ... essential joy givers ... laughter inciters ... release ... escape.

We pour out so much daily and are often overlooked. Underpaid. Underappreciated. I ask that we all use this time of stillness to remember the value of art in our community and society.

Sydney Charles, Actress

We have had to make emotionally significant changes to personnel to ensure the future of the theater, which has resulted in 74 part-time positions eliminated, 14% of full-time staff laid off and 50% of staff furloughed for varying lengths of time. Like our peer organizations we are heartbroken to have to make these difficult decisions, but with the uncertainty of when we can safely return to live performance, the core of who we are is threatened.

The void we collectively feel in not being able to come together to share stories is vast—and has reinforced how essential the live arts are to our shared humanity.

Steppenwolf Theatre Company

What is a state? What is a city? What is a neighborhood without arts vitality? That’s my message: don’t take it for granted, because it might not be here tomorrow.

Omar Torres-Kortright, Executive Director of the Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center