As arts organizations all over the Bay Area (and country) close due to restrictions and worries of COVID-19, patrons and artists alike, are in a bind. While artists and organizations suffer from canceling performances―or entire seasons―patrons are saddened at the loss of entertainment, especially at a time we could use it the most.
But even though theatres and performance spaces are closing their doors, many are doing their best to offer patrons alternative ways to engage. Here’s what some organizations around the Bay Area are doing to provide us with ways to watch, listen and learn all while staying safely in our own homes.
And if you really want to get the feeling that you’re back in the performance space, check out our Program Archive. There’s enough there to keep you busy until we’re back in the theatre.
American Conservatory Theater
For those ticket buyers who will not be able to see a live performance of Gloria or Toni Stone, A.C.T. is offering a recording of the performances. Patrons who had already purchased tickets to these performances will be provided exclusive access to a recording of the performance through March 29. If you haven’t purchased a ticket to one of these shows, but would like to watch the recording, A.C.T. is selling virtual tickets here.
Berkeley Repertory Theatre
Patrons can buy tickets to either Culture Clash (Still) in America or Jocelyn Bioh’s School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play online. Visit www.berkeleyrep.org or call the box office at 510 647.2949. Purchasers will receive a link to a password-protected site from Berkeley Rep to view the production. Please allow 24 hours to receive the order confirmation.
San Francisco Ballet
SF Ballet will present a limited online stream of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which will be made available this week via electronic streaming on a limited basis. The streamed performance is available only to ticket holders of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Detailed instructions on how to access the Midsummer stream along with use restrictions will be sent to ticketholders via email this week. SF Ballet also announced (in advance of its full 2021 Season announcement) that George Balanchine’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream will be included as part of the 2021 Repertory Season. More information.
San Francisco Opera
Get ready for SF Opera’s 2020-21 season by exploring their audio gallery. For each opera that is part of their next season, SF Opera provides a sampling of audio excerpts from past performances. It’s the perfect way to forget about the current circumstances and sample what shows you may want to attend! Explore the audio galleries.
San Francisco Symphony
Need something to help fill the silence while you work from home? San Francisco Symphony offers podcast series on their website. Featuring music from SF Symphony concerts and recordings, and commentary based on their award-winning program notes by James Keller and Michael Steinberg. Listen now.
Updated March 17, 2020: Updated information regarding Berkeley Rep’s online performances.