We are committed to opening as swiftly and as safely as we can, when artists and shows begin to tour again and when our guests feel comfortable coming back to the arts center.”

The Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts has told half of its full-time and part-employees that they will be furloughed as of Monday, June 1.

The news comes on the tail of a series of event cancellations due to the pandemic; over 50 events and concerts have been rescheduled, including local and touring productions.

The Dr. Phillips Center has announced that it received a loan provided by the CARES Act that allowed it to pay its staff through May but that it would have to let people go in order to ensure its longterm viability.

Roughly 150 workers have been affected, including two executive-level positions, according to a report by Orlando Sentinel, in business services and marketing. More details in the Sentinel article.

Employees that are impacted will continue to receive health, dental, and vision benefits and their deductions will be paid by the performing arts center.

City Council voted in April to help offset the cost of operating the building through the summer by freeing up funds in a special emergency account that it contributes to each fiscal year. More on that HERE.

Brendan O'Connor

Editor in Chief of Bungalower.com

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