Happening at SteppingStone

A Letter from the Artistic & Executive Director Regarding COVID-19

Updated 17:53 03/13/2020

 

One of our core values–a centerpiece of our work at SteppingStone–is the belief that belonging is a fundamental human need. In this time of uncertainty, our sense of belonging to each other as a community is critical to our wellbeing and to our resilience in difficult times. Belonging says that we will be okay together, that we will look out for each other, that we will safeguard the most vulnerable in our midst. Belonging is an action we extend out in circles around us.

With rising concern around COVID-19 and new recommendations for social distancing from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the Minnesota Department of Health, we have made the difficult decision to cancel all Creative Learning programs, rehearsals, and performances through March 29, 2020. This is how we can demonstrate that we belong to each other as a community. Reducing opportunities for the spread of the virus can help protect the most vulnerable individuals and families. These cancellations or postponements include:

  • Rehearsals and studio performances of A Midsummer Night’s Dream are suspended
  • LEAP: Thus They Speak rehearsals will be delayed
  • Winter Creative Learning Saturday Classes are canceled
  • Theatre Explorer Drop-In Classes on March 18 and 25.

At this time, we feel confident in our ability to adhere to current social distancing recommendations and plan to hold auditions for Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr. as scheduled. All auditioners will receive an email highlighting protective measures. We ask that families make the best decisions for themselves and their households where auditions are concerned. If you are feeling unwell or are uncomfortable with attending auditions, please reach out to info@steppingstonetheatre.org and we will make accommodations. Additionally, our Community Engagement programming will continue as long as we are able to safely and effectively do so.

If you have purchased tickets to A Midsummer Night’s Dream or enrolled in classes between now and March 29, we will reach out to you via phone or email beginning on Monday, March 16 to make the arrangement that works best for your family.

Please consider making a charitable donation to SteppingStone Theatre for Youth. The cancellation of classes and performances will have direct financial consequences for all theaters and theatre artists, including ours. Donating the value of your ticket or class back to SteppingStone Theatre for Youth will support our programs and mission of creating theatre art that transforms lives with and for youth. We cannot do this without your support.

SteppingStone will continue to act in the best interest of our community by monitoring the situation as it unfolds. We will continue to follow the advice and guidelines recommended by the Center for Disease Control, the World Health Organization, and the Minnesota Department of Health. We wish you and your loved ones good health and safety and we appreciate you being part of the SST family.

Sincerely,

Mark Ferraro-Hauck
Artistic & Executive Director
SteppingStone Theatre for Youth

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement

At SteppingStone, we are committed to access and inclusion for all people. We stand firmly in opposition to racism, and our programs challenge our young artists, staff, and Board of Directors to foster inclusion and seek equity for all, including Black people, Indigenous peoples, people of color, LGBTQIA+ people, people of all economic backgrounds, people of all religions, and people with disabilities. SteppingStone collaborates with families to meet students’ needs, whether they are social, academic, developmental, or physical.

We Believe

Young people are artists, makers, and doers. They need to belong and to contribute to their world. When young people make art together, they change themselves and the world around them for the better.

We Do

SteppingStone ignites belonging, generosity, mastery, self-advocacy, and inspiration by creating art with young people to share with the world.