SOCIETY FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS LAUNCHES SPA CREATIVE CONNECTION A PROJECT CONNECTING LOCAL ARTISTS AS BALANCE OF 19/20 SEASON IS POSTPONED/CANCELLED

HOUSTON (March 23, 2020) ­­– On a day that would have featured the announcement of the 20/21 season, Society for the Performing Arts (SPA) instead announces the launch of SPA Creative Connection, a project intended to connect and celebrate all artists among us.  Additionally, SPA announces the postponement or cancellation of the balance of 19/20 season. Added to the list of performances already affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, are all shows through June 28, 2020. This brings the total number of postponed or cancelled programs to 12.

SPA is making best efforts to reschedule postponed shows, coordinating with artists, agents, vendors and venues to determine if the performance can be rescheduled.  SPA is currently communicating with current ticket holders for these performances regarding options for their tickets.

• Drum Tao, March 27 at Jones Hall—postponed to September 29, 2020
• Black Violin, April 7 at Jones Hall—postponed; SPA is currently working on new date
• National Geographic Live: The Search for Life Beyond Earth, April 21 at Jones Hall—postponed, SPA is currently working on new date
• Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, April 24-25 at Jones Hall—cancelled
• Daymé Arocena, May 1 at Miller Outdoor Theater—cancelled
• Vicki Lawrence & Mama, May 8 at Jones Hall—cancelled
• EMN (Ensemble Mik Nawooj), May 15 at Cullen Theater, Wortham Center—cancelled

Updated Today:

• Brubeck Brothers Quartet, May 16 at Cullen Theater | postponed; SPA is currently working on new date
• A.I.M: An Untitled Love (World Premiere; SPA co-commission), June 4-5 at Jones Hall | postponed; SPA is currently working on new date
• Jane Lynch & Kate Flannery: Two Lost Souls, June 6 at Cullen Theater | cancelled
• Samin Nosrat: Salt Fat Acid Heat, June 12 at Jones Hall | postponed; SPA is currently working on new date
• The SpongeBob Musical, June 25-28 at Jones Hall | cancelled

SPA is Houston’s largest non-profit arts presenter—the largest such organization in the Southwest. SPA exists to connect remarkable artists from around the country, and around the world, to our city and region. Many of these significant artists become arts ambassadors to our communities, giving workshops, lectures and masterclasses—engagements that go far beyond the stage.

During this critical time, an unprecedented hardship eclipsing even the damages of Hurricane Harvey, SPA will depend on the financial support of its patrons and donors. SPA encourages all to consider a donation in any amount, to keep the performing arts alive in our city. Any contribution is greatly appreciated.

SPA Creative Connection — A NEW PROJECT
Continuing the work of celebrating artists in all forms of the performing arts and honoring our mission to support the culture of our city, SPA announces the launch of a new digital initiative, SPA Creative Connection. This series will feature the creative spirit of individuals across Houston as we practice social distancing.  We encourage local performing artists and creative spirits of all genres and backgrounds to submit video, 3 minutes or less, of performance content.  SPA will feature the mini performances, created by local artists, on the SPA website and its social media channels.

This is a challenging and isolating time for many, but we can continue to connect through our creativity, fostering inspiration and community strength during darker days.

SPA understands the importance of artistic expression. SPA Creative Connection encourages artists and performers to share how they’re continuing to work and create in their homes, as kitchens and living rooms have been transformed into makeshift stages, studios and remote classrooms.

“As we have seen from our local and touring artists, the show must go on—online,” says Meg Booth, SPA CEO. “Now more than ever, we see the power of creativity and artistic expression in our lives.  The arts provide us with connection, new ideas and can widen our world when it seems most limited. We’re excited to create a space to explore Houston’s creative spirits and celebrate our shared humanity in this unbelievably unusual time.”

To be featured in the SPA Creative Connection, performers are asked to record a 3 minute or less performance or example of their at-home creative practice and submit the video with a brief questionnaire through google forms. Chosen entries will be featured on the SPA blog (https://performingartshouston.org/watch-listen-learn/) and social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.