Opera House and Covid
Opera House climbs uphill battle
2020 has been a whirlwind for millions of people around the globe. The community of Littleton, New Hampshire is no different when it comes to that fact. Countless community members have felt the continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and have utilized their voices to speak up in regards to the needs of the community at large.
Businesses throughout the area have expressed concern for the future but, as I realized during a phone interview with the chairwoman of the Littleton Opera House, Sue Pilotte, they are also expressing a sense of hope for that same future and compassion for the community. Pilotte and I discussed several topics regarding the Opera House, the COVID-19 Pandemic, and how she continues to fight for the historic landmark as the Pandemic creates hardship for the business.
Staff reduction
Pilotte stated that since the state of New Hampshire applied restrictions on businesses she has mainly been working from home and as months progress and restrictions lift, continues to work more and more. While Pilotte has been working diligently throughout the year, she was saddened to inform me that the other staff members of the Opera House had to be laid off, but intend on returning to their previous positions when the state’s restrictions allow for it.
Staff are not the only ones who had to say goodbye to the Opera House for now, since COVID-19 began to spread more and more, events have had to be cancelled or postponed. These have included weddings, graduations, and possibly the Upstage Players autumn production. Pilotte shared her hope for the autumn season though, saying that some dates are still reserved and new dates are being booked even amidst the chaos the Opera House has found itself in.
Future events aren’t the only thing Pilotte is planning right now, she is also taking a detailed look at how the Opera House will shift it’s marketing procedures in order to compensate for losses in 2020. Pilotte shared that she, along with the Town of Littleton, who owns the Opera House, is looking to expand the venue’s operations in late 2020 and throughout 2021. Bringing in more concerts, comedians, and performing arts acts is just the tip of the iceberg for the Opera House. Private events such as: weddings, fundraisers, and meetings of various types are also something both Pilotte and the Town of Littleton are looking into to bolster the Opera House’s revenue in the coming year.
Hope on the horizon
Expanding on the operations of the venue is just the beginning for what could be a fresh start for the Opera House coming out of the Pandemic. Pilotte brought up the idea of creating new positions when the time is right which could include: an Executive Director and a General Manager. Increasing staff size inevitably creates more opportunity to increase marketing, which Pilotte hopes to accomplish. Vermont and Southern New Hampshire are just a few of the broad places Pilotte hopes to reach out to and bring people to the Opera House for events.
The COVID-19 Pandemic has proven to be a sizable bump in the road for many businesses. This is prevalent across the world, across the nation, and throughout Littleton, New Hampshire. While the Pandemic has changed the way businesses operate, Sue Pilotte has faith that the road ahead is much smoother and hopes that businesses such as the Opera House become even more successful than before.
This article is part of a series of articles focusing on the effects of COVID-19 affecting various businesses around the North Country. Read more about these affected businesses here.
Nick Meachen is a GNTV field reporter, camera operator, and staff member at Phlume MEDIA.