Broadway shows will remain closed for the rest of 2020

Broadway performances in New York City have been suspended for the rest of the year and will not resume until 2021. Touring Broadway performances across North America have also been affected.

Announcing the decision, The Broadway League said that theatres are now offering refunds and exchanges for tickets purchased for all performances through January 3 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Returning productions are currently projected to resume performances over a series of rolling dates in early 2021. Tickets for performances for next winter and spring are expected to go on sale in the coming weeks.

Returning productions are projected to resume performances in 2021 © agsaz/Shutterstock

The Broadway League is working with city and state officials as well as leaders in science, technology and medicine to formulate the best plan to restart the industry. Some of the logistics being currently reviewed for audience members and employees include screening and testing, cleaning and sanitizing, wayfinding inside theatres and backstage protocols. "The alchemy of 1000 strangers bonding into a single audience fueling each performer on stage and behind the scenes will be possible again when Broadway theaters can safely host full houses," says Thomas Schumacher, chairman of the board of The Broadway League.

Tickets for performances for next winter and spring are expected to go on sale in the coming weeks © Andriy Blokhin/Shutterstock

"Every single member of our community is eager to get back to work sharing stories that inspire our audience through the transformative power of a shared live experience. The safety of our cast, crew, orchestra and audience is our highest priority and we look forward to returning to our stages only when it’s safe to do so. One thing is for sure, when we return we will be stronger and more needed than ever.”