On January 9th, CENTERSTAGE informed us that due to unforeseen changes in their production schedule, they were no longer able to provide the space in their facility or the housing units necessary to hold WordBRIDGE in June. Centerstage did offer several alternative scenarios, but none of the options were feasible for us and we did not want to compromise the quality of the WordBRIDGE experience.

After consulting with our Board of Directors and National Advisory Board, we have decided to cancel WordBRIDGE 2013 and put the program on hiatus. We’re saddened by this decision, but we think it is the most  artistically responsible option at this time.

The spatial requirements for the Lab—housing for 70 individuals, three rehearsal rooms, multiple administrative work spaces, and cooking facilities capable of preparing three meals a day for the entire company—are challenging. We’ve produced the Lab in three different institutions, from college performing arts centers to regional theatres, but it’s become increasingly clear that we need to enter into a partnership that extends beyond a rental agreement, generous as our partner institutions have been with fees and facilities, and integrates the culture of our partner institution with WordBRIDGE.

We considered looking for a new home for this June, but in the next five months, it is simply not possible to manage the production and preparation of the Lab and the search for a new home simultaneously with our current staff, which is comprised of individuals volunteering time outside of their full-time jobs. A hiatus will allow us to focus on establishing measures to ensure the long-term stability of the Lab, instead of its current year-to-year functionality.