The COVID-19 pandemic has not been kind to numerous non-profits, arts and theatre organizations. The popular and beloved Sidekick Players Club in Tsawwassen is one of those groups.
“It has been a long and difficult seven and a half months without rehearsing, building sets and performing, but most of all, missing all the wonderful patrons and volunteers,” said president Carroll Lefebvre. “COVID-19 has not been kind. We are, along with most theatre companies in the Lower Mainland, hoping to be back in early 2021, but there are no promises as the curve is now going upward again.”
Lefebvre said Sidekick has been discussing all the protocols to moving back into the Tsawwassen Arts Centre with the City of Delta, but everyone has one thing in mind…safety. She says WorkSafe has distributed a guideline for performing arts to re-open that is extremely strict, but also sensible and most importantly, doable.
“But the bottom line is that until we, along with the City of Delta, can be absolutely sure that all guidelines can be administered, we won’t be risking anyone’s health,” she said. “We, along with others, had thousands of dollars invested in upcoming productions that had to be cancelled because we were forced to cancel. We also have ongoing expenses that must be met. Just because we are not generating revenue, doesn’t mean our rentals (three different spaces) stop.
“We had just closed a highly successful production and were in the process of priming flats for the next production when we were shut down. We have not been able to re-enter the facility to finish and clean up after the show closed. To get costumes organized again, to take furniture back to our storage lockers at a different location. Our space is small.
It’s been a very trying time for all of us.”
She said Sidekick have full intentions of getting back in there and honouring every single subscription from last season.
“We are not taking new subscriptions for this season as we don’t know what the future holds and feel that isn’t fair to our subscribers. Hopefully we can be back on track by September, 2021 with a full season again,” she said. “We have re-thought our season and have made the decision to mount plays with no more than three people until we are assured COVID-19 is in the rear mirror. No one’s life is worth an hour and a half on stage. Social distancing is impossible with medium to large casts. Every day we stay “dark” we lose money. That’s the price we have to pay at this time.”
Sidekick is holding its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. using ZOOM. This meeting will include elections for two positions, vice president and secretary.
Both are two year terms. The standing vice president and secretary (Carol Jones and Maureen Dorotich) will let their names stand for re-election.
If you wish to nominate anyone, you must be a member in good standing and so must the nominee. To become a member, please send your membership fee by e-transfer to [email protected] or send a cheque made payable to The Sidekick Players Club, 5065 Stevens Drive, Delta. Single membership is $10 and a membership for two people living in the same residence is $15. If you plan on participating in the AGM, email to [email protected] so that you can be linked to the meeting. New members are more than welcome!
“We wish everyone well and know that we miss you all,” added Lefebvre. “It’s always such a warm and friendly feeling when we bump into a patron in the community and they tell me how much they miss us, but totally understand, and they always say that they’ll be there when we are.
“On a sadder note, during this time we, and our community, have lost three outstanding citizens of Delta and our “Sidekick family”. Our deepest condolences to the families of Dr. Ray Crawford, Gwen Crowe and Tom Bearss. May their memories be a blessing to you all.”
