Armstrong's Caravan Farm Theatre has cancelled its popular Walk of Terror event, along with its new immersive sound walk, due to ongoing financial struggles.
"we did not make this decision lightly," the theatre said in an announcement on Facebook and its website Thursday, Aug. 22.
This year would have been the 19th annual Walk of Terror, an event that sees a number of performers put on a frightening Halloween experience spanning 50 acres on the theatre's rural property.
The theatre said it's a "heartbreak" not to be able to host the event this year, but says it is "in a crisis, and we must attend to it."
That crisis goes back to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"As many of you know, these are tough times for arts organizations - we theatres were among the first to close down when the pandemic hit, and we are proving to be among the last to recover," the theatre said. "We rely primarily on ticket sales to cover our expenses, and with the mandated closures, and the slow audience returns, our finances have taken a severe beating."
The theatre said every year since 2021 the team has made plans to get by on a slimmer budget, such as creating smaller shows, "only to be sideswiped by cancellations caused by fires and heat domes.
"The result is a cash flow crunch."
In addition to the Walk of Terror, the theatre is cancelling its new immersive sound walk, LABYRINTH, saying it's a production that barely breaks even and the theatre can't afford to run it.
"We apologize to all of you who have been looking forward to LABYRINTH - this is the second time we have canceled the premiere and we hope it is the last."
The theatre said it will be considering ways it can adapt to improve its financial situation going forward, whether that means structural changes to the company or programming changes.
"In any case, Caravan Farm Theatre will need to undergo a transformation to meet this moment. Which is exciting - we are up for the challenge."
The theatre will be going ahead with its Winter Sleigh Ride Show. Tickets go on sale Oct. 18.
