The McKnight Center Postpones 2020-2021 Season Until January 2021
Many performances still available, adjusted to comply with COVID-19 safety guidelines
STILLWATER – (August 17, 2020) –The McKnight Center for the Performing Arts’ 2020-2021 Season has been postponed until January 2021 as an extra-cautious means to continue keeping patrons, staff and performers safe. Three socially distanced concerts will take place in September and November of 2020. Other performances from The Center's inaugural and second seasons will still be available to the public but with adjusted times, dates and/or limited number of tickets.
“For the safety of our community and honored guests, we have made the difficult decision to postpone the majority of our performances until early 2021,” said Mark Blakeman, Marilynn and Carl Thoma Executive Director of The McKnight Center for the Performing Arts. “It's never easy to postpone performances, but the new season will bring more joy when we are able to safely gather. Through adjustments like cleaning theater seats between performances, opening the house earlier and eliminating both intermission and concession sales, we hope to allow for a safe re-opening of The Center to our many valued patrons.”
All staff will undergo COVID-19 testing prior to re-opening the building for the season. They will also be screened for symptoms and have their temperatures checked prior to the start of each event. Masks are required by guests and staff during each event. Hand sanitizing stations will be posted throughout the lobby, and frequent disinfecting of high-touch surfaces will increase.
For socially distanced concerts, tickets will be limited to 200 guests or fewer and sold in seating pods of two tickets per household with 6 feet of distance between each seating pod.
Fall & Winter 2020
Winter & Spring 2021
For more information about performances, times and dates, visit mcknightcenter.org. Ticketholders have an option to donate the value of their tickets to cancelled events as a way to continue supporting The McKnight Center until full-capacity events can once again take place. Ticketholders can also request an account credit or a refund by contacting the box office at (405) 744-9999 or info@mcknightcenter.org. The box office will re-open for in-person requests from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday through Friday beginning Aug. 31.
About The McKnight Center for the Performing Arts
The McKnight Center for the Performing Arts at Oklahoma State University is a world-class epicenter for the arts dedicated to attracting celebrated national and international programs with notable performing arts productions and artists. The McKnight Center is an expression of Oklahoma State University's commitment to the arts to inspire and transform lives through artistic excellence, creative experiences and impactful learning opportunities. To learn more, visit McKnightCenter.org.
MEDIA CONTACT
Katy Fabrie
kfabrie@goodengroup.com
918-470-4994
“For the safety of our community and honored guests, we have made the difficult decision to postpone the majority of our performances until early 2021,” said Mark Blakeman, Marilynn and Carl Thoma Executive Director of The McKnight Center for the Performing Arts. “It's never easy to postpone performances, but the new season will bring more joy when we are able to safely gather. Through adjustments like cleaning theater seats between performances, opening the house earlier and eliminating both intermission and concession sales, we hope to allow for a safe re-opening of The Center to our many valued patrons.”
Safety Precautions
Several performances will be presented as socially distanced events to comply with CDC (Centers for Disease Control) safety guidelines while some will have different dates.All staff will undergo COVID-19 testing prior to re-opening the building for the season. They will also be screened for symptoms and have their temperatures checked prior to the start of each event. Masks are required by guests and staff during each event. Hand sanitizing stations will be posted throughout the lobby, and frequent disinfecting of high-touch surfaces will increase.
For socially distanced concerts, tickets will be limited to 200 guests or fewer and sold in seating pods of two tickets per household with 6 feet of distance between each seating pod.
New Schedule
The below schedule contains updated performance dates, and all cancellations are noted. Cancelled events will likely be presented in a future season, but some dates have not yet been finalized. Tickets will go on sale one month in advance of each event.Fall & Winter 2020
- Sarah Coburn: In Concert | Sept. 13 | Cancelled
- Melodica Men | Sept. 20 | Socially distanced concert
- Philadelphia Orchestra: Ode to Joy | Sept. 25 | Cancelled
- Philadelphia Orchestra: Old World, New World | Sept. 26 | Cancelled
- Chicago the Musical | Oct. 16 and 17 | Cancelled
- Chamber Music Festival | Nov. 5, 6 and 8 | Cancelled
- Potted Potter| Nov. 10 | Cancelled
- Jonathan Biss: Beethoven Piano Series Concert #6 | Nov. 12 | Socially distanced concert
- Jonathan Biss: Beethoven Piano Series Concert #7 | Nov. 13 | Socially distanced concert
- William Wolfram with the OSU Orchestra | Nov. 17 | Cancelled
- Tulsa Ballet’s The Nutcracker | Dec. 5 and 6 | Cancelled
Winter & Spring 2021
- Canadian Brass | Jan. 30
- National Geographic Live: Mireya Mayor, Pink Boots and Machete | Jan. 31 | Cancelled
- South Pacific | Feb. 4 and 5
- Itzhak Perlman | Feb. 11
- Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder | Feb. 27
- National Geographic Live: Kobie Boykins, Exploring Mars | March 7 | Cancelled
- Martha Graham Dance Company | March 9
- The Buddy Holly Story | March 12 and 13
- Chris Botti | March 26
- Pink Martini | April 1
- William Wolfram: Solo Concert | April 18
- STOMP | April 22 and 23
- Lucas Ross and the Sugar Free Allstars | May 1
- Chanticleer | May 4
- Silent Film with Live Organ Accompaniment by Peter Krasinski | May 14
For more information about performances, times and dates, visit mcknightcenter.org. Ticketholders have an option to donate the value of their tickets to cancelled events as a way to continue supporting The McKnight Center until full-capacity events can once again take place. Ticketholders can also request an account credit or a refund by contacting the box office at (405) 744-9999 or info@mcknightcenter.org. The box office will re-open for in-person requests from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday through Friday beginning Aug. 31.
About The McKnight Center for the Performing Arts
The McKnight Center for the Performing Arts at Oklahoma State University is a world-class epicenter for the arts dedicated to attracting celebrated national and international programs with notable performing arts productions and artists. The McKnight Center is an expression of Oklahoma State University's commitment to the arts to inspire and transform lives through artistic excellence, creative experiences and impactful learning opportunities. To learn more, visit McKnightCenter.org.
MEDIA CONTACT
Katy Fabrie
kfabrie@goodengroup.com
918-470-4994
