Theater group takes storytelling into their own hands during COVID shutdown

Looking for a good story? Check out Quarantine Radio 19, created by a crew of actors and production staff (Jordan Malin, Kimberly Weston, Stephanie Figer, Benjamin Gates, Sadie Portman, Anneli Curnock) – most of whom met at the AAC!


Production crew of Radio Quarantine 19

“I had posted on Facebook asking if anyone in senior living facilities, or just those living alone, would want to be entertained,” says Jordan Malin, the group’s organizer. “I honestly had no idea so many of my theater friends — past and present — would want to be involved. Since so many of us involved in the arts are out of work right now, we are also getting an opportunity to create, express. It gives us time to escape for a while, and we hope it does the same for those listening.”

Quarantine Radio 19’s Facebook page can be found here.

Thank you to our recent donors!

The board and staff of the Ashtabula Arts Center would like to thank our recent donors for their contributions to our annual fund drive. Some are people who have chosen this time to renew their gift, some are new donors, and some are those who have chosen to give an additional gift this year to help the Arts Center weather this difficult financial period.

During these uncertain times, these gifts are especially valuable.  Right now, the Ashtabula Arts Center is officially closed to the public and the core staff are working from home. There will come a time when we can safely reopen but we will most certainly face funding challenges in the coming months.  Our donors will help us preserve this wonderful organization and assist us as we navigate these difficult times.

If you would like to donate to the Arts Center, you can do so here.

Donors who have given since March 16:
Ashtabula Carpet Workroom
Paige Beach
Alan Block
Perry Boal
Paul & Toni Bodnar
John Breznai
Robert & Linda Callahan
Donna Cooper
Heather Denning
John & Candace Doherty
Paul & Catherine Findlay
Brant Gebhart
Bob & Lauren Godfrey
Nick Jammal & Lisa DeCato
Mary Howe
Stephen Kerekes
Linda Koob
Jean Lowery
Shawn Metzler
Judy Mudd
Marybeth Nassief
Pat & Sandy O’Brien
Anthony Platano
Dave, Lyn & Meadow Pontius
Linda Profant
Stephen Rhodes
Barbara & Gus Saikaly
Caitlin Santill
Harry Schwentker
Mardi Snyder
Cherie Stebner
Maryann Stevenson
Kathleen & Jeffrey Studer
Sandy & Ed Taylor
David Uthe
Christine Banks VanAllen
Samantha & Ryan VanBuren

A request for our supporters

We have to take a moment to make a request of our AAC supporters, whether you’re audience members, artists, students, or volunteers. With all of our programming shut down, the Arts Center is struggling financially right now.  We know this is a scary time for many people, and we absolutely understand that not all of our supporters are in a financial position to make donations. We are grateful for all the ways you show your love for the arts, and the Arts Center. If, however, you are someone who is able to donate to the Arts Center, at any level, it would be a tremendous help. You can donate online here.

Updated programming changes for COVID-19

The Ashtabula Arts Center is closed to the public until at least Friday, May 1. All programming is also suspended until at least May 1. Staff will be available for limited hours at (440) 964-3396, and Executive Director Meeghan Humphrey will be available by email at mhumphrey@ashtabulaartscenter.org. If you would like to be added to our email list, please contact Amanda Frazier at marketing@ashtabulaartscenter.org.

Straw Hat auditions are postponed indefinitely. New dates for auditions will be announced as soon as possible.

The following events are cancelled:
all performances of Boeing Boeing
all performances of the spring dance concert, Perpetuum Mobile
the wine tasting before the spring dance concert
the Children’s Dance Recital
reception for “Women’s Rights” exhibit
Kiwanis 2020 Student Art exhibit/receptions
The Good Life Concert: Greetings from Ashtabula County

The Dining for the Arts Cocktail Party is postponed; new date TBD.

New dates for classes and workshops will be announced as soon as possible.

COVID-19 update for Frozen JR and AAC programming

In light of Governor DeWine’s declaration canceling all gatherings of 100 people or more to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the Ashtabula Arts Center is canceling all performances of Frozen JR this weekend, as well as the Frozen Luncheon on Saturday. We know this is a disappointment to our audiences, performers, and crew, and we are very sorry to have to make this decision. We are so very grateful for the support our audiences have shown for this performance and our Youth Theatre actors. We will be refunding tickets purchased for the March 13-15 performances of Frozen JR, and the Frozen Luncheon, starting tomorrow, March 13. Anyone who has purchased tickets should contact us at (440) 964-3396 so we can collect the information needed to process your refund. If you are able and willing to donate the price of your ticket to help the Arts Center weather what will be a difficult period financially, we are grateful.

We are looking into the possibility of running the final four performances of Frozen JR at a later date.

Straw Hat auditions this weekend and next will be held as scheduled, however, we are asking that all auditions be by appointment. Please arrive 5 minutes ahead of your scheduled appointment time to fill out your audition form, and please exit the building promptly when your audition is complete.

Boeing Boeing will not open as scheduled; we will provide updates on that show as soon as possible.

The building will be closed to the public and all classes & programming at the Arts Center will be suspended for the next 3 weeks, resuming on Monday, April 6.

Thank you so much for your understanding and patience in this situation.