Although COVID-19 stole most of the show for the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts’ 2020 season, the nonprofit’s leadership and staff have been backstage keeping the Center up and running until it can reopen for performances. In order keep the West Palm Beach’s facilities, equipment and experienced staff in top-flight readiness to perform when restrictions are lifted, the Kravis Center has embarked on its “Road to Reopening” initiative, which focuses on securing funding for its annual operating budget. Due to the virus, the Kravis Center was forced to close its theaters and cease all performances, community gatherings, and all other revenue producing activities until further notice. It prevented the Kravis Center from performing its core business model: presenting artists on its stages.

“The Kravis Center was built by and for this community and has been sustained by the community’s support through ticket purchases and contributions for the last 28 years,” said Judith Mitchell, CEO for the Kravis Center. “Our goal is to continue our mission to present the best in the performing arts, to be a performance home for our wonderful local arts presenters, and to provide important and impactful arts education to students of all ages. We are committed to continuing that mission but will need help during this very challenging time when we are unable to generate operational funds through performance activity. When the timing is right, we can’t wait to raise the curtain and welcome everyone back. Until then, our ghost light shines brightly.”

According to Mitchell, the Kravis Center will reopen when it’s safe for its visitors, artists, volunteers and staff. The Center is working with a consortium of major performing arts centers throughout the country to develop, in consultation with medical professionals, best practices for a safe reopening and will continue to follow the latest, most current CDC guidelines.

“As part of our ‘Road to Reopening,’ four of our dedicated patrons have already donated $100,000 toward next season’s operating budget,” said Mitchell. “They stepped up early to set the tone for this initiative and include Sondra and David S. Mack, Jane M. Mitchell, Mrs. Benjamin M. Polayes and SBA Communications Corporation/Aggie and Jeff Stoops. Our community and supporters know how important the arts are and want to help make sure we are here for the future.”

In the meantime, the Kravis Center is entertaining its patrons with various virtual concerts, lectures, performances and arts education with its Kravis ]@Home series. The virtual platform is the Kravis Center’s way of staying engaged with the community while the performing arts center is officially closed to the public.