A small theatre company in New Jersey suffered a crushing blow at a pivotal moment because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Hudson Theatre Works is a small nonprofit professional theatre that was having it's most successful year ever.

"It was never better, actually," says artistic director Frank Licato.

The theatre had just settled into a new home at the former Wilson School in Weehawken, following years of moving and searching for an audience. The pandemic has hit the industry hard.

"We're not a wealthy theatre so we're used to working on small budgets anyway," says Licato. "But, you know, it's tough. We're scrambling."

The theater is now doing a virtual festival to help bring in donations and keep its audience and affiliated artists engaged.

Licato, an actor who co-founded Hudson Theatre Works, says he longs for the day he can welcome back the audience. Licato says he already knows the first play they will do.