Minnesota State Mankato Theatre Events Paused for Two Weeks
Tonight’s Performance of ‘Silent Sky’ in Andreas Theatre is Postponed
Mankato, Minn. – Minnesota State University, Mankato’s Department of Theatre and Dance will pause rehearsals and performances for two weeks, including tonight’s (Sept. 17) scheduled studio production of “Silent Sky,” in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Postponing rehearsal and performances within the Department of Theatre and Dance will reduce the chances of COVID-19 being spread within the department and the University, said Matt Cecil, interim provost and senior vice president of academic affairs.
“At this time, the rest of the University is operating as it has been since classes began on Aug. 24,” said Cecil. “Last month we closed our Intercollegiate Athletic training facilities for 10 days to reduce the possibility of exposure, and those facilities and activities have reopened. The decision to postpone performances within Theatre and Dance is similar. We are prepared to make operational decisions within particular areas of the University at any point in time in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”
Minnesota State Mankato publishes information about COVID-19 cases on campus on an online dashboard that is available at https://mankato.mnsu.edu/about-the-university/news-and-events/covid-19-novel-coronavirus-and-the-campus-community/covid-19-resources/campus-safety-levels/.
Information about makeup dates or cancellations of Department of Theatre and Dance productions will be announced on a later date.
The Department of Theatre and Dance opened its studio season Wednesday with a performance of “Silent Sky” in the Andreas Theatre. The play was scheduled to run through Sunday, but all performances, including tonight’s performance, are postponed. Ticket holders may contact the box office at 507-389-6661 with questions about future performance dates or refund information.
Based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and the Minnesota Department of Health, the Department of Theatre and Dance limited the theater capacity to 25% to ensure social distancing. All patrons are required to wear masks for the duration of their time in the Performing Arts Center, and the performers also wore masks during Wednesday’s play.
All patrons and participants were required to complete the daily COVID-19 self-screening tool that is available on the Minnesota State Mankato website at www.mnsu.edu.
Minnesota State Mankato’s Department of Theatre and Dance is part of the University’s College of Arts and Humanities.
Minnesota State Mankato, a comprehensive university with 14,297 students, is part of the Minnesota State system, which includes 30 colleges and seven universities.
