Alley Theatre Rehires Laid Off Employees with Support from the CARES Act
April 14, 2020
Last month, the Alley Theatre was forced to cancel the remainder of its 2019/20 season due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Due to the financial instability that comes with ending the season early, Alley had to temporarily lay off 75% of their staff members. All employees were able to keep 100% of their health benefits and their deductibles were paid through June 30, 2020.
When the CARES Act passed, the Alley Theatre was able to secure the financial assistance needed to allow the theatre to continue operating. This includes having the ability to rehire all temporarily laid off staff members. Additionally, these employees will also receive back pay from March 30, 2020, the date they were laid off, up to the present.
“We are thrilled that Congress enacted this employment law to help nonprofits and small businesses, allowing us bring back our employees and make them whole,” stated Dean Gladden, Managing Director. “This is a very difficult time in our country and our hearts go out to all those that have lost their jobs at this time. We can’t wait for life to return to normal when we’ll welcome everyone back to Houston’s theatre, the Alley Theatre.”
In addition, the Alley has announced its full 2020-21 season which will include the return of two previously canceled productions, and a lineup of work featuring a diverse group of playwrights, directors, and designers.
The previously announced Clue will become the season opener and will now run from September 18 – October 25, 2020. In February 2020, the Alley announced four shows of the 2020-21 season: the world-premiere of Duncan Sheik and Kyle Jarrow’s musical Noir; Clue; the world-premiere of Born With Teeth by Liz Duffy Adams; and Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery. All four of these shows will still be part of the 2020-21 season. “I am pleased to announce the Alley’s full 2020-21 season. After the cancellation of the latter half of the current season, due to safety precautions surrounding COVID-19, I’m happy to bring back two of those productions for this upcoming season,” said Artistic Director Rob Melrose.