The committee was holding on to hope that eased COVID-19 restrictions might allow it back on stage, but it has chosen to put its efforts into next year’s calendar.
SPW president Brett Harvey said it was a disappointing result after the success of its season launch and first event.
“After the comedy night we were all geared up for a great year. As it turned out, that event was probably the only one of its kind happening in Victoria on that weekend, as the first wave of restrictions came in,” he said.
“Our home base, the Schoolhouse Theatre in Seymour, has been off limits for the duration of restrictions.
“Restrictions prohibiting public gatherings have also made the prospect of group rehearsals null and void.
“The other consideration is that even if SPW can get an event to come together, it is highly unlikely that we can host an audience of a size that makes the undertaking viable.
“To add to this, some of our group participants come from Melbourne suburbs, which have been under lockdown for most of the year.”
Mr Harvey said SPW had a range of events planned for 2020 and continued to diversify the opportunities the group was offering to participants and audiences.
“The Oxalis Wind Quartet was set to showcase a range of instrumental music, the jazz and blues night was meant to be a rollicking shindig and the bush poetry and musical soiree was going to challenge participants and inspire audiences,” he said.
“We planned for two new events aimed at improving the performance capacities of our local theatre performers.
“These events were the music theatre bootcamp for teens and the Rachael Beck “triple threat workshop” for adults.
“We were also looking forward to another promising play by talented local playwright Sean McKenna, our SPW trivia night, the Seymour One-Act Play Festival and major musical Godspell would round out a great year.”
Mr Harvey said while no announcements could be made yet, SPW was investigating potential for online events to keep performers and audiences engaged with the group.
“SPW is a community hub and we are all missing the social aspect of being part of this wonderful group,” he said.
“However, we’re of amateur status, so economically we haven’t been hit too hard.
“I really feel for the performing arts sector. Cancellations have made a huge impact on the multi-billion-dollar industry and it is going to take some time to recover.
“We are optimistic. All the events SPW had planned for this year are excellent activities and our committee will endeavour to host these events at later dates where possible. It’s just a case of when.
“Like many Victorians, we are hopeful life will get closer to normal in the new year and that our group can get back to doing what it does best - providing opportunities and quality entertainment for our community through the performing arts.”
Mr Harvey thanked the SPW committee for its support and sent his best wished to artists who were unable to showcase their talents this year.
“Bring on 2021,” he said.
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