The McCarter Theatre Center, one of the state's most prominent live theatres, made a comeback with a free outdoor concert Sunday -- the first of several -- after shuttering its doors more than a year ago.

Shows at the Princeton venue normally take place indoors at Princeton University's campus. The first outdoor concert was in nearby Palmer Square, where it will hold weekly free live shows every Sunday for the next two months.

The organization was forced to cancel in-person performances and lay off much of its staff due to the pandemic last year.

"For so many arts organizations it's a lot of uncertainty -- but thanks to the amazing support of this community, McCarter's donors and audiences, we are ready to come back strong just as soon as that's safe to be gathering in person," said Sarah Rasmussen, the artistic director at the McCarter Theatre Center.

The Small Business Administration was set to reopen applications for the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant on Saturday, however, it was pushed to Monday to accommodate businesses that are closed on the weekends.