The McKnight Center Announces 2020-2021 Season Updates
Monday, January 11, 2021
The McKnight Center for the Performing Arts’ postponed 2020-2021 Season will begin in March 2021, with additional revisions to the event calendar and added health and safety precautions.
Most notably, performances will offer two showtimes to accommodate current season ticket holders in a socially distanced format. Each performance will last about one hour with no intermission. Face masks that cover the nose and mouth will be required at all times while in The McKnight Center.
“Over the past months we’ve been in constant contact with our scheduled artists, agents and managers, who have all graciously agreed to present double performances for our audience,” said Mark Blakeman, Marilynn and Carl Thoma Executive Director of The McKnight Center for the Performing Arts. “The increased number of performances will provide our guests with the same incredible live concert experience they expect from The McKnight Center with the added safety of social distancing. We’re so grateful to these internationally acclaimed performers for their willingness to approach the season with flexibility, which allows us to continue to present exceptional art during these difficult and unique times.”
All performances will be presented as socially distanced events to comply with safety guidelines determined by the Centers for Disease Control. Ticket holders will be seated in pods based on their household with 6 feet of distance between each seating pod. The box office will begin contacting ticket holders this week to determine their preference in showtimes.
“For the last several months, we’ve worked to find creative solutions that give our guests access to world-class art and a safe entertainment environment. Last fall The McKnight Center presented dozens of safe, socially distanced events,” said Blakeman. “We hosted pianist and Beethoven scholar Jonathan Biss in socially distanced concerts, small student ensembles from OSU’s Greenwood School of Music, watched classic holiday movies during our new ‘McKnight at the Movies’ series, and held free yoga classes in our outdoor plaza. We feel confident that we can continue to safely hold events in the new year and are excited to welcome our audience back to The McKnight Center to experience live performances again.”
Due to reduced seating capacity all events are currently sold out. Tickets may become available if social gathering restrictions are lifted. Those interested in attending are encouraged to contact the box office to be placed on a waiting list in the event tickets become available.
Additional Safety Precautions
All staff undergo regular COVID-19 testing and are screened for symptoms and have their temperatures checked prior to the start of each event. Hand sanitizing stations are posted throughout the lobby, and frequent disinfecting of high-touch surfaces will continue. The entire theater, including seating, will be disinfected between each performance. Those who are experiencing symptoms or feel sick are asked to stay home.
Updated Schedule
The below schedule contains updated performance dates and times. Some events that feature large casts of performers have been cancelled. The McKnight Center may reschedule some of these events in future seasons, but dates have not yet been finalized.
Winter & Spring 2021
- Canadian Brass | Sunday, Mar. 28 — 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
- Pink Martini | Thursday, April 1 — 6 p.m.and 8:30 p.m.
- William Wolfram: Solo Concert | Sunday, April 18 — 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
- Lucas Ross and the Sugar Free Allstars | Saturday, May 1 — 3 p.m.
- Chanticleer | Tuesday, May 4 — 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
- “The Kid” Silent Film with Live Organ Accompaniment by Peter Krasinski | Saturday,
May 15 — 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
- “The Kid” was previously billed as “Nosferatu.” Released in 1921, “The Kid” is a critically acclaimed film written, produced, directed, and starring Charlie Chaplin.
Cancelled Events
- Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder
- South Pacific
- Itzhak Perlman
- Martha Graham Dance Company
- The Buddy Holly Story
- Chris Botti
- STOMP
For more information about performances, times, and dates, visit mcknightcenter.org. Ticketholders can expect to receive more information about cancelled events beginning January 25 and will have an option to donate the value of their cancelled tickets as a way to continue supporting The McKnight Center until full-capacity performances can once again take place. Ticketholders will also be able to request an account credit or a refund by contacting the box office at (405) 744-9999 or info@mcknightcenter.org. Box office hours are 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
About the McKnight Center for the Performing Arts
The McKnight Center for the Performing Arts at Oklahoma State University is a world-class epicenter for the arts dedicated to attracting celebrated national and international programs with notable performing arts productions and artists. The McKnight Center is an expression of Oklahoma State University's commitment to the arts to inspire and transform lives through artistic excellence, creative experiences, and impactful learning opportunities. To learn more, visit mcknightcenter.org.
MEDIA CONTACT: Katy Fabrie | 405-403-5423 | kfabrie@goodengroup.com