Theatre during a pandemic
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Fly North Theatricals was fresh off Madam: our first production as a theatre company. We've managed to weather the storm thus far in no small part because of folks like you. Thank you.
In January 2021, nearly a year removed from the stage, FNT is staging our next original musical Forgottonia and our primary focus is to give the most "normal" theatrical experience as possible. However, no matter what we do-- it will be far from normal. There will be no in person audience. Instead, FNT is livestreaming Forgottonia on our YouTube channel... for free.
Accessibility matters. When considering when to put this production behind a paywall we remembered that if there's one good thing to take away from this pandemic, it's that anyone with an internet connection has had unprecedented access to art. However, in a time when so many people are out of work, honoring the contracts of our cast and crew is our top priority. In an age when so much is new-- balancing the money with the mission is a tale as old as theatre.
We're relying on the kindness of others. If you have the means, please consider donating to Fly North Theatricals before, during, or after your viewing of Forgottonia. And enjoy the show.
The "Theatre For All" Initiative
Fly North Theatricals was founded on one principle: Theatre is a fundamental right. However, there are two problems... one that's obvious and another that's also obvious but often overlooked.
The obvious one: Theatre is expensive for creators.
The overlooked one: Theatre is expensive for the audience.
25% of the residents of the City of St. Louis live below the poverty line - $25,750/year for a family of four. The budget for just one musical can easily total that much.
That's why we began our "Theatre For All" Initiative, a subsidized ticket program in partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri and the Kranzberg Arts Foundation that helps provide access to those in need throughout the St. Louis region for which the theatre is cost-prohibitive. Being a booming theatre town, this is a very large intersection of the St. Louis community. As of December 2019, FNT has donated over $1000 worth of tickets for the upcoming 2020 season but -- if you're willing to help us -- that's just the beginning.
Rehearsal for FNT's "The Gringo"; 2018 Local Headliner - St. Lou Fringe. (Photo: Andy Paulissen)
"The Gringo" at the 2018 St. Lou Fringe. (Photo: STL Limelight Magazine)
How Can I Help?
A sneak-peak of "Madam" at the 2019 Grand Center Theatre Crawl. (Photo: Ann K Photography)