The Turlock Community Theatre is welcoming entertainment enthusiasts back to its seats this fall with a lineup of exciting shows and pandemic safety measures in place.
“This is the biggest lineup we’ve had in a really long time,” TCT Board of Directors President Neill Callis said. “It’s going to be awesome.”
Despite the cancellation of a Sept. 30 concert with The Wailin’ Jennys due to current COVID concerns — which would have been the first show of the upcoming season — the rest of the acts from October to April have been scheduled and offer a diverse lineup of comedians, dancers, game shows and more.
The TCT shows aren’t considered “mega events” under the state’s COVID guidelines since the theatre seats less than 1,000 people, and therefore the venue won’t be requiring negative COVID tests or proof of vaccination for guests like others are required to, such as the Gallo Center for the Arts in Modesto.
Guests will, however, be required to wear masks inside the theatre to help protect each other from the virus, Callis said, in accordance with the state requirements.
“We live in a very purple community and there are friends and supporters of the theatre who feel very strongly about these things both ways,” Callis said of COVID safety measures. “We’re trying to do the best we can to make sure people do feel safe, and guidance may change as the Delta variant slows down.”
Visitors to the theatre for the 2021-2022 season will have a wide variety of acts to choose from, including comedian Demetri Martin on Oct. 14, The Mavericks on Nov. 12, The Price is Right Live on Jan. 20 and The Temptations on April 29.
After being forced to close during the pandemic last year, TCT was one of six venues throughout the Central Valley to receive federal COVID funding in order to help keep its doors open. Through the Shuttered Venue Operator Grant program, the Turlock entertainment organization was awarded $97,004 to rehire staff and prepare for the upcoming season.
“Everybody on the Board feels there is nothing but joy to be gained from live performances, whether it’s comedy or music or something like The Price is Right Live,” Callis said. “You never know what's really going to touch people in a way that gets them excited, and that’s what we’re all about: bringing a little joy back to the community.”
TCT’s new website now features a “print at home” option for ticket purchases, meaning attendees can either purchase tickets online and print them at home or access a mobile ticket. Community members can also call the box office to purchase tickets. To view the 2021-2022 TCT lineup or purchase tickets, visit www.turlocktheatre.org or call 209-668-1169.
