Blog: 2021 Outlook

It’s has been said on countless occasions that 2020 is a year that most would prefer to soon forget. That is especially true in the live entertainment industry. As the first to close, we will be one of the last business segments to reopen, and have been focused on maintaining communication with our patrons and simply surviving these turbulent times.
 
As we enter 2021, we are filled with optimism for what this year could hold. We are not there yet, but we are inching closer to the long-awaited return of programming and shows at Altria Theater and Dominion Energy Center. The approval and administration of several vaccines should allow venues like ours to return to performances later in the year. It will likely be gradual, with the expectation that by the second half of the year we could be running at something close to normal again.
 
In the meantime, we continue to work closely with promoters and tour operators as they monitor the pandemic, adjust schedules, and plan for the future. They are anxious to return to touring, but not before it is practical and safe to do so.
 
In the same vein, we have spent months meticulously preparing for the safe reopening of our venues and the return of our beloved patrons. Our award-winning VenueShield environmental hygiene program and protocols have been implemented to insure the cleanliness of the theaters and safety of all visitors and staff. These protocols have been tested during several shows at Dominion Energy Center in the last few months and have been proven very affective. 
 
However, it is important to note that, while we may be ready to open our doors, the promoters and touring companies need to be ready, and you, our patrons need to be ready too! And that’s only after the Governor has approved large gatherings for indoor spaces. Only when we all agree that it is safe to do so, will we be able to present entertainment again. And we are just not there yet.
 
Performances will return to these historical and majestic venues. We will once again present Broadway In Richmond, The Richmond Forum, live concerts, kid’s shows, comedians, weddings, corporate events, fundraising galas, and resident company programming as we have for many years. We look ahead to the coming year with excitement and optimism and look forward to welcoming you back!