The end of 2019 saw Artists Repertory Theatre poised for some huge changes. After a generous gift of $7.1 million from an anonymous donor and the sale of the north half of its Goose Hollow property, the company embarked upon a much-needed remodel—a massive, multi-year project that involved a partial demolition of its building, and stripping and retrofitting the remaining structure with seismic upgrades.
Artists Rep envisioned a season on tour, dubbed ART on Tour, wherein it moved a season of performances through venues around Portland, while the construction left the theater without a home. And then 2020 happened.
Like the rest of the theater community across the country, the company found itself unable to produce live shows, so Artists Rep experimented with digital content, and when lockdown lifted, it continued to produce works in other venues.