Stage Door News

St. Catharines: The Foster Festival cancels its 2020 season

Monday, March 23, 2020

The Foster Festival is working to ensure our approach to the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic and its resulting repercussions on our patrons, our team members and our local community is handled with care and consideration.

Based on the guidance of the provincial and federal governments, along with the Chief Medical Officer of Canada, The Foster Festival is suspending all public events and performances, most notably, the 2020 summer season of plays to be held June 24 to August 22 at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre.  While disappointing for our legions of supporters, the health and safety of our entire community – patrons, volunteers, artists, and staff - is paramount, making this the only responsible course of action.  Rest assured we will return in 2021 with more remarkable Norm Foster comedies!  

Such closures have significant consequences for creative artists and cultural organizations, already operating on razor-thin margins.  As theatres around the world are forced to close, we count on you, our loyal supporters, to stand by us as we deal with the eventualities that present themselves. Trust that we will do everything in our power to keep our theatre safe and to give you an unforgettable season when the time is right to lift the curtain once more.

We are working closely with the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre staff to provide options for our valued patrons.  We ask that ticketholders DO NOT call the Box Office regarding your tickets until you hear from us. Patrons can expect to hear from the Arts Centre in approximately 10 business days. This will allow the PAC to handle the complexities of the situation as smoothly as possible and ensure that front line staff have all the necessary procedures in place.  

We welcome you to donate the cost of your tickets to The Foster Festival for a charitable tax receipt. This donation will go a long way in supporting our aim to bring exceptional theatre to our patrons from local and visiting artists. Alternatively, we are able to credit your account for the full amount of the tickets. This credit can be used toward the Foster Festival’s 2021 Summer Season.  And finally, if these options aren’t able to work for you, we are able to issue a refund.

In closing, you have likely heard that playwright Norm Foster was hospitalized last weekend for a very serious health issue unrelated to COVID-19.  According to his wife, Helena, his condition is stable, and the family sends their sincerest of thanks to everyone who has reached out to Norm with best wishes. 

On behalf of everyone at The Foster Festival, we thank you for your patience and understanding during this time of global uncertainty and we look forward to seeing you at the Foster Festival next summer. Please keep well and stay safe.

www.fosterfestival.com.