Michigan Opera Theatre has announced a revised new season.

Due to the continued social distancing resulting from the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the company has opted for a non-traditional season that will engage with audiences in unique experiences.

“The health and safety of our patrons, staff, and artists is our priority at Michigan Opera Theatre, and we are making every effort possible to present opera and dance in safe, responsible ways,” said Michigan Opera Theatre President and CEO Wayne S. Brown in a press release. “Art flourishes during challenging times and these current social distancing guidelines provide creative opportunities for us to present opera and dance in exciting new ways.”

The company will be presenting performances in alternate locations that include outdoor settings and venues. Additionally, the productions will be scaled down to include socially distanced casts and dancers. Finally, there will be limited capacity and socially-distanced seating at the Detroit Opera House and other venues used.

Programming has not yet been finalized, but the company has noted that it expects to use the Detroit Opera House during the coming season.

Most American opera companies have canceled the fall portion of their 2020-21 season. Michigan Opera Theatre is one of the first to confirm live outdoor performances with many instead opting for digital alternatives.

Most European companies are already employing a strategy similar to the one outlined by Michigan Opera Theatre. The difference is that as of this writing, most European companies have seen the daily numbers of new COVID-19 cases diminish; conversely, the U.S. has continued to hit new daily records of new COVID-19 cases over the last week.