A $2.3 million loan enables Seattle Opera to rehire 180

A $2.3 million loan under the federal Payroll Protection Program (PPP) has enabled Seattle Opera to rehire most of the people who had been scheduled to work on La bohème including orchestra, chorus, stage management, stage crew—plus wardrobe, costumes, hair and makeup crew.

‘We expect to bring approximately 180 individuals back on the payroll for a finite period of time thanks to the PPP (Payroll Protection Plan),’ said General Director Christina Scheppelmann.’I am very pleased Seattle Opera received this loan which will go as intended to our employees. These are unprecedented and uncertain times for all. We are looking forward to the return of live events at the Opera Center and McCaw Hall once it is safe to do so. We also look forward to being part of the recovery and healing of our community. But the health and safety of our workforce and customers remains our top priority.’