The USI Theatre Department’s upcoming productions of “Eclipsed” and “Little Shop of Horrors” have been canceled.

Elliot Wasserman, chair of the performing arts department, confirmed to The Shield through email the remainder of the program’s 2019-2020 season has been canceled after the university announced classes would be moved online until April 6 due to concerns over the coronavirus. 

“Eclipsed” was to be directed by USI Student Jesmelia Williams and would have shown from March 26-28 in the Mallette Studio Theatre. “Little Shop of Horrors” was to be directed by Eric Altheide, associate professor of theater, and would have run from April 16-19 in the Performance Center.

Wasserman said he strongly supports the decision.

“Some people may feel that since they do not fear the virus, others are being too cautious, but we must all keep in mind that any one of us who exercises a lack of caution can lead to someone else getting sick,” he said. “We are all, in effect, responsible for one another.”