In response to health concerns regarding the spread of COVID-19, Savannah Ballet Theatre (SBT) has announced the cancellation of their upcoming production of The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. After closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic and consulting with local health professionals, SBT made the difficult decision to cancel the spring 2020 production, which was slated for April 25. This date falls within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recommended eight-week window of cancellation of events for 50 people or more, due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

SBT is committed to the health and safety of their audience, dancers, and staff at performances. Based on the rapidly changing public health situation regarding COVID-19, and official recommendations, it was determined that it is in the best interest of the community to cancel this production.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support of our patrons and are deeply saddened that we have had to make the difficult decision to cancel our upcoming production,” says SBT Advancement Director Abby McCuen. “However, we hope everyone recognizes that this decision is based upon our moral obligation to make the health and safety of every person involved in our productions the top priority.”

Currently celebrating its 21^st season, SBT was established in 1998 under the artistic direction of Suzanne Braddy. Recognized as the premiere dance company in Southeast Georgia, SBT is best known locally for its annual production of the perennial holiday favorite, The Nutcracker. SBT presents a full season of classical and contemporary dance every year. The beloved nonprofit organization is committed to creating and curating artistically forceful new productions which are based on adaptations of popular stories and movies. SBT is Savannah and southeast Georgia’s only professional dance company. It is their mission to develop and showcase the talent of dedicated Savannah dancers alongside top professional dancers who train in the studio, and to engage in educational outreach and promotion of the art of dance within the community.

Patrons who have already purchased tickets are encouraged to consider donating ticket costs to SBT in order to assist in supporting local nonprofit arts organizations, such as SBT, affected by the Coronavirus pandemic. Beginning March 23, those interested in donating tickets should contact SBT directly by calling 912-200-9406 or emailing [email protected]. For those who do not wish to donate tickets, the Savannah Box Office will start issuing refunds on April 15 and all refunds should be received by April 30. SBT asks that patrons wait until after April 15 to contact the Savannah Box Office.