The Center for the Performing Arts at Penn State will not present public performances on campus this fall as a result of COVID-19 restrictions and venue availability.
Eisenhower Auditorium, the center’s 2,500-seat primary venue, was already scheduled to be closed through December as it undergoes maintenance and renovations.
Schwab Auditorium, CPA’s other main venue, does not have enough space ‘to make it financially feasible’ to present performances with reduced capacity because of social distancing requirements, according to a news release. The center had previously planned to host a modified schedule of performances in the fall.
“The impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the performing arts presents extraordinary challenges to gathering together to experience live performances,” said George Trudeau, director of the Center for the Performing Arts. “As a result, we are reimagining our 2020–21 season by starting with curated performances in alternate formats, along with other opportunities, to engage with audiences this fall.’
Trudeau said Eisenhower Auditorium, which can accommodate physical distancing, is expected to reopen for performances in January and the center will have safety plans in place.
The schedule for spring semester performances at Eisenhower will be announced later this year.
