Over the past few days, we have been told that some companies and individuals feel they can open much more quickly than others. Within other performing arts groups and distribution networks, we also note that the realities vary greatly depending on disciplines and contexts. Some venues need more time because all of their support staff have been unemployed for months and repatriating these teams does not happen overnight. Some venues tell us that, in terms of ticket sales, they feel ready, yet others tell us that tickets are selling very badly in this unproductive period and that they need to get marketing and ticketing campaigns up and running again. Some locations need time to assess the feasibility of reopening within the parameters of the curfew (see below).
 
Therefore now we are initiating discussions that will cover an approach for the reopening in a more phased method with the proviso that the Mesure exceptionnelle de soutien à la diffusion will still be available for venues that require more time before they reopen. We underline here that this financial support has enabled our sector to rehearse, prepare and pay fees for several months now. Places that need more time to reopen must continue to have access to this support in order not to compromise their abilities to continue these essential activities.

The other major logistical hurdle is the curfew, and here we see, yet again, how unbalanced its impact is depending on the context.  Some rumours state that almost all of Quebec could possibly fall into the orange zone category after the Spring Break (unless there is an increase in the number of cases), which would push the curfew back to 9:30 pm. But for the metropolitan region, these rumours are less reassuring.  Therefore, we are now discussing the contexts pertaining to the resumption of activities in the red zone with a curfew still at 20h. Once again, it will be essential to demonstrate that if a performance could not take place because of the curfew (as the schedule could not be revised), the company would still be eligible for the Mesure de soutien à la diffusion.

We understand that these issues may seem quite insignificant and even a little weak in view of the passion that drives us and the fundamental place that art should have in our society. But it is also the role of the CQT to ensure that all the elements are securely in place when reopening happens in order to avoid finding ourselves once again in an ambiguous position where reopening would be theoretically possible, but in reality could be very complex or even harmful to parts of the creative chain.  We also know that a large number of artists and craftspeople are not currently tied to a theatre or a production in rehearsal.  

Now we must begin to reflect on how we can resume our activities and what position each dynamic force within our milieu will take in the process.  We will be inviting you to participate in a large agora meeting on march 27th, where you will have the opportunity to communicate directly with us to talk about your needs and expectations concerning these issues.

We are also aware that at times you may feel that we are not there for you, or that you might like us to voice things differently. But we need you to know that we are there every working hour and much more and that a large part of the CQT team and its volunteers are very dedicated to addressing these issues.  We have spent the past week holding meetings, having discussions with key individuals and surveying our members and partners. We are hard at work. We are listening to your comments and we are trying to adapt our methods of communication as much as possible so that our activities are more in line with the various realities of our sector.

We are not privy to the workings of the higher decision-making bodies, but we do believe it is reasonable to expect a gradual reopening within a few weeks, unless there is an unpleasant health surprise, as we have stated.

If you have not already done so, we encourage you to become a member of the CQT in order to receive the Strategic CQT publication regularly, so that you can remain up-to-date with what we are doing.
 
 
Anne Trudel                                                                          Catherine Voyer-Léger
President and Chief Executive Officer                                  Executive Director