This week is a good week for Treasure Coast arts and culture lovers! Several organizations have made announcements regarding upcoming programming and events starting as early as today!
The Vero Beach Museum of Art will open its doors on October 7, 2020. Exhibition galleries will be accessible to the public with limited capacity and contact-free ticketing. Masks will be required for all visitors over the age of 2, temperatures will be checked, and 6-foot social distancing guidelines will be maintained. While certain areas of the museum remain closed, including the ArtZone, Art School, and the Café, it will be well worth the visit to see the exhibition Avery to Warhol which remains on view and consists of curated artworks from the Museum’s permanent collection through January 3, 2021.
“The VBMA’s number one priority is to the safety of its staff and guests. We are fully committed to keeping everyone who enters the VBMA safe at all times,” said Executive Director/ CEO Brady Roberts. “Our approach and reopening strategy have been implemented based on the recommendations outlined by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and by working with medical experts. We encourage visitors to read our guidelines before visitation and look forward to welcoming them back to enjoy some much-needed cultural inspiration and reflection in a relaxing setting.”
The Treasure Coast’s longest-running community theatre opened its box office this week in anticipation of their new season as well. Though full productions will not resume until January, the increasingly popular Apron Series will begin on November 13 with the opening of Peter Ackerman’s “Things You Shouldn’t Say Past Midnight,” a raucous comedy in three beds. This adults-only production was a huge hit for The Guild last year but the short run and the buzz it generated inspired Director, Jon Putzke to bring it “back by popular demand.” In December, Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman” will open, directed by Art Pingree. Apron Series shows are staged readings that take place in front of the drape but don’t be fooled by the concept. The Vero Beach Theatre Guild does a great job making these readings just as visually engaging and skillfully entertaining as a fully staged production. The Guild has made several changes to its facility to keep patrons safe.
“We are so excited for our patrons to walk through our doors and see all the work that our wonderful Design Director and his crew have been doing over these past several months. Our expanded lobby and newly formatted seating arrangement in our auditorium will provide the safety and extra space needed to comply with CDC guidelines” said Lisa McNamee, President of the VBTG Board.
One of the favorite hotspots in the Sunrise City of Fort Pierce has reopened. Sunrise Theatre’s Black Box is continuing live shows with tableside service and distance seating. October is not October without the iconic “Rocky Horror Picture Show” which will be screened twice at The Black Box, Friday, October 24th, and Friday, October 30th. There are also some live comedy shows scheduled for October and November at The Black Box including Richie Minervini and Erik Myers. While the main auditorium remains shuttered for now, “Sunrise Sundays” is a new online offering by the venue to bring some of its favorite performances to online audiences. A new performance will be presented online each Sunday through December 20th and will remain available for 48 hours following the opening. The schedule is online at www.sunrisetheatre.com/sunrise-sundays and there is no charge.