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A NOTE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR Photo by Bryce Boyer
Dear Weston Friends, 2020 was a year of profound contradictions. We faced great challenges and welcomed thrilling successes. We were heartbroken when the Covid-19 pandemic forced us to cancel our summer season and we missed our Weston Family—our artists and audiences, our staff and friends—more than words can say. The year also included incredible silver linings. In January and February our second season of Walker Farm Music entertained sold-out audiences with musical artists like Kat Wright and Sugartone Brass Band. And just days before the shutdown, we welcomed the winners of the 14th annual Weston-Ghostlight New Musical Award to Weston. Isabella Dawis and Tidtaya Sinutoke’s new musical, Half the Sky , enchanted audiences with its story of family connection and the exhilarating ambition of mountain climbing. Following the season cancellation, our successful Reimagined Season introduced thousands of new audience members to Weston. Songs for Today returned many of our treasured musical theatre artists to our community via our online platform. And the artists who joined us on Postcard Plays and One Room created surprising and moving new plays that excited our imaginations and recalled to us the great power of the language of theatre. We are especially grateful to all of you and for the many joyful moments when you wrote to remind us of your love for Weston. Due to the great generosity of individuals, local businesses, and foundations who support Weston, as well as thoughtful adjustments to our annual budget, we will close 2020 on budget, with no deficit. Not only is this great news for the present, but it sets us on a strong course as we plan for the future. Covid-19 has taken a toll on us all and the long-term impact on Weston and theatres across the country remains to be seen. Through the dedication of our artists, the strength of our Board, the resilience of our staff, and the stalwart support of our community, Weston is weathering the storm. As we said in April, our beloved theater has withstood flood, fire, war, and hurricanes and we will persevere through this together, too. With warm regards,
Executive Artistic Director Susanna Gellert
Board of Trustees Michael Neff, Chair
Claire S. Stern, Vice Chair Wayne Fisher, Treasurer Francis P. DeVine Jr., Secretary
Ludy Biddle Skye Chalmers Wayne Granquist, Chair Emeritus Abigail L. Hurlburt Vicky Linville Michelle A. Lowes John T. McHugh Linda Oskam Elizabeth Paxson Michael Plaut Janet Warren Bill Watson Catherine Welles James Young
Founding Directors Malcolm Ewen (d. 2019) Tim Fort Steve Stettler
Susanna Gellert Executive Artistic Director
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