Arts organisations across the north and north-east are facing an uncertain future, amidst scores of event cancellations and business closures.
The chancellor has offered a package of support that should aid theatres and other venues.
But many have postponed events, while others have pulled performances from their upcoming schedules altogether.
This has left self-employed entertainers and small business owners facing a large hole in their upcoming finances.
HM Theatre, the Music Hall and the Lemon Tree in Aberdeen were shut “until further notice” on Monday as part of efforts to limit the spread of coronavirus, while the Tivoli Theatre also announced it will close for the next 12 weeks.
Sales manager Christina Camillo said it will leave the venue in a difficult situation.
“There will be a knock-on effect for everyone but the safety of our customers and staff always has to come first,” she said.
“We’re independently owned so we just have to see what happens next. Every day it’s changing. Everything is up in the air.”
Aberdeen Jazz Festival suspended its remaining programme of events, which had been due to continue through until Sunday.
Performances will be re-scheduled, with all tickets honoured or refunded.
Aberdeen musician Robbie Mcskimming, lead vocalist of Dancing on Tables, said the closures and postponements will impact performers who may have been relying on the income.
His group, which opened for Catfish and the Bottlemen at P&J Live last year, has cancelled its current 14-date tour.
Mr Mcskimming said: “We spoke about it and decided it would be irresponsible to keep going.
“It’s frustrating because at the shows we sell CDs and merchandise and that’s how we make our money. I don’t know when we’ll be able to play again.”
Theatre groups, including Elgin’s Out of the Darkness, have also been affected, with its team holding daily meetings to plot the way forward.
Aberdeen’s Phoenix Theatre said its scheduled run of Oliver in June is “up in the air”.
The measures have also affected cinemas, with Cineworld, Picturehouse and Vue closing all of their UK locations.
Cromarty Cinema and Screen Machine, which offers a mobile cinema to remote parts of the Highlands, have followed suit.
Screen Machine’s operators said: “Our touring operation puts us in a unique situation compared with conventional cinemas, not least as it means we don’t have ready access to running water for staff and audience members to wash their hands.”
But they reassured supporters the closure will not have a long-lasting effect, as the loss of box office income will be cancelled out by savings from not being on the road.
