DORSET, VT.: Dorset Theatre Festival has announced that it will suspend its previously announced 43rd season, which was scheduled to begin June 25, 2020, at the Dorset Playhouse.

“We believe a theatre should be like the kitchen table of the community—a place where people come to laugh together, celebrate together, and learn together,” said artistic director Dina Janis in a statement. “These challenging times call for tough choices, and although the decision not to proceed with the 2020 season is a tough choice, we are focusing on re-inventing our annual celebration of great plays for these extraordinary times.”

The company is working on creating digital programming to support its new play development initiatives. The Dorset Theatre Festival Women Artists Writing Group, which typically meets twice each month in New York City, has moved their meetings to an online platform. The Jean E. Miller Young Playwrights Program is also being offered online for the first time in its 8-year history, still at no charge to the local schools who participate. Artist development programs, including the Festival’s new Commissioning and Fellowship program, will also move online.

The box office will contact any patrons who have already purchases subscriptions to the 2020 summer season.

“Our deepest hope would be for patrons and supporters to make a donation in lieu of tickets you may have purchased during the 2020 season,” said Janis in a statement. “By donating now, you join our staff and board in pressing forward to make sure our professional summer season continues to thrive in the ‘brave little state.’”