VRS said it would reassess the shows scheduled for April and May in due course. Patrons who purchased tickets for any of the cancelled performances can either get a refund for the full value of the ticket, return the ticket to the VRS and receiving a charitable receipt for its full value, or exchange the ticket for either of the remaining performances in the 2019-20 Season.

 

Music in the Morning, in cancelling its March 18 to 24 concerts, said, "If you are a ticket holder to one of our March concerts, please call the office at 604.873.4612 to receive a tax-deductible donation receipt in lieu, switch to an upcoming concert, or to receive an extra ticket and bring a friend to an upcoming concert.   We hope that you will either exchange your tickets into another performance or donate them to MITM to help us during these challenging times."

 

Earlier this week, Vancouver New Music announced it had to cancel a concert by Italian violinist Silvia Mandolini, who was supposed to perform with Vancouver's MAGIK, due to the lock-down on Italy.

 

Other arts companies are forging ahead with more local shows, taking extra measures to reassure patrons. A provincial health directive aimed at events over 250 people will not apply to the city's smaller venues.

 

The following statement came out from Boca del Lupo, which is presenting Carmen Aguirre's Broken Tailbone this week: 

There is plenty of room in the space to spread out, our custodial staff is cleaning surfaces regularly throughout the day, and any dish ware in use at our bar / concession has been and will continue to be washed and sanitized after each use. At the moment, the Public Health Agency of Canada has assessed the public health risk as low. We are operating as normal with open doors and are taking additional preventative measures necessary, following the guidance of provincial and local health officials, the BC Centre for Disease Control, and the World Health Organization to reduce and prevent the risk of illness.

The Dance Centre had this to say to patrons in an e-blast:

At this time, The Dance Centre and Scotiabank Dance Centre remain open and we will continue presenting scheduled events for the foreseeable future. We have implemented additional cleaning and disinfection measures across all areas of our building, reviewed our procedures, and installed extra hand sanitizers in high-traffic areas. However, we ask that you stay away if you feel sick; if you have recently visited any of the countries that are listed as travel unsafe (such as China, South Korea, Italy, Iran); or if you have been in contact with anyone who has recently travelled to any of these countries. We are watching closely for further developments and updated public health mandates, and will keep you informed of any changes to our programs through email, our website, and our social media channels. 

And the Cultch, which has 192 seats in its historic theatre and whose Vancity Culture Lab has 74-86 seats sent a similar advisory this week:

Currently, all Cultch performances and events are proceeding as scheduled. As a not-for-profit live performance venue, we rely on the ongoing attendance and support of faithful patrons and donors like you. We want you to know that The Cultch is looking out for you by putting the following measures in place to protect your health and your purchase. We are implementing extra disinfecting and sanitation measures throughout our spaces. If you cannot attend your performance for any reason, we will happily change your ticket to a future date or performance with no charge or give you an account credit. Please email boxoffice@thecultch.com or call 604-251-1363.