Lyric Theatre Company is honored to have been cast in a new role—helping in the production of masks for essential workers in our community. At the behest of the Burlington Mayor’s Office and Burlington City Council, the Lyric Creative Space has been transformed in recent days, as we marshal our resources to help out.

We so appreciate all the interest in joining in the effort. In order to most efficiently manage the logistical undertaking this project involves for our army of volunteers, staff, and community partners, we ask that you carefully read the points below.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HELP SEW

Simply stop by the Lyric Creative Space at 7 Green Tree Drive between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. There is no need to call ahead or make arrangements prior to arriving, and we kindly ask that you refrain from doing so, as we have been inundated with many well-intentioned calls and emails, but have limited capacity to respond.

When you arrive at the Main Entrance, you will be greeted by a Lyric volunteer wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and maintaining compliance with social-distancing recommendations. We ask that you please follow suit, and not fully enter the building. The volunteer will provide you with a kit, containing all of the materials and directions necessary to make 15 masks. You may take as many as you feel you can finish, but please keep in mind you can come back as often and as many times as you would like.

When you are done, simply return the completed masks and any leftover materials back to us, and we will get them to the next stop on their journey.

THE MASKS

The design, fabric, and process, has been prescribed by the City of Burlington, prior to our involvement. The masks in each kit vary in size, and are made using the provided bull denim, which will significantly reduce exposure for the wearer. They will ultimately be used by non-medical support staff performing a variety of essential functions in our community, and ensure that compliant medical masks are reserved for the healthcare workers who need them most.

After they are returned to Lyric, completed masks will be transported to Gadue’s Dry Cleaning, where they will be cleaned, and prepared for dissemination in the community at the direction of public health experts and local officials.

If you have already picked up a kit to help make masks, click here for a video with some helpful tips.

WE ARE NOT PUBLIC HEALTH EXPERTS

Lyric’s function in this process is as a hub for the distribution of materials and as a base of volunteer labor. If you have additional questions about the project, the masks, or related efforts, please contact the City of Burlington directly by calling (802) 755-7239 or via email at [email protected]. 

We are grateful and resolute, and can’t wait to see you at the theater.

From the bottom of our hearts—thank you!