Northern Sky Expands Virtual Content

While Northern Sky Theater determines the definitive plans for its fall season, it has announced a three-pronged virtual season to continue its mission of developing original work, employing its artists and reaching out to its audience.

“This alternative season – as we’re calling it – shows the continued efforts of our company to make as much happen as possible under these altered circumstances,” said Managing Director Dave Maier. 

The company was encouraged by great participation in its recent, virtual Raise the Curtain fundraiser – which featured several prerecorded and live events, and raised nearly $110,000 – as well as the popularity of its Northern Sky at Home video series. 

The virtual season involves three components. The first, Northern Sky at Home, presents daily online videos featuring the company’s artists sharing at-home moments and Northern Sky songs. 

The second, Northern Sky LIVE, delivers live virtual content on Facebook and Instagram. Jeff Herbst, artistic director and actor; and Katie Dahl, singer-songwriter and author for Northern Sky, will continue with weekly broadcasts of The Jeff & Katie Show. It includes banter between the hosts, a weekly bake-off, songs and special guests.  

The third component is Northern SkyLights, a compilation of musical numbers from shows performed in Peninsula State Park from 2011 to 2019. The company plans to augment Northern SkyLights with additional titles and will experiment with further use of past productions, readings of works in development, and new concert offerings. Northern SkyLights events will be ticketed to cover production costs.

Northern Sky has canceled its plans for an abbreviated fall run of Dad’s Season Tickets in the new Gould Theater because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The remainder of the fall-season schedule at the Gould – Naked Radio, scheduled to run Sept. 11 – Oct. 31; plus And If Elected, Oct. 9-29 – remains on hold, pending developing circumstances.

“It’s so difficult to have to make these decisions when so many artists’ livelihoods are dependent upon their work with us, not to mention the disappointment of our fans,” said Artistic Director Jeff Herbst. “But we are thinking ahead now, and this virtual season keeps our artists and audience engaged as we continue to offer original content and develop new works.”