URGENT UPDATE: Jacob’s Pillow has officially canceled the remainder of its 2025 Summer Dance Festival following the tragic death of production manager Kat Sirico, who died in a workplace accident on August 1. Located in Becket, Massachusetts, the renowned dance center had announced earlier this week that performances would continue, but a statement released late Tuesday night revealed the festival would not proceed.
The decision comes as a shock to the dance community, which was looking forward to the festival’s conclusion on August 24. “The Jacob’s Pillow Board of Trustees and institutional leadership has decided that Festival 2025 will not continue,” the center stated, reflecting the weight of this tragic event on the institution.
The incident occurred when Sirico, a 40-year-old resident of Rochester, New York, was working with a summer intern to move staging platforms on a dolly. According to the Berkshire County District Attorney’s Office, the two lost control of the dolly while attempting to navigate a downhill slope. In a desperate attempt to regain control, Sirico fell as the dolly rolled, leading to her being struck by the falling platforms. Despite immediate life-saving efforts by bystanders, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities have confirmed that no charges will be filed, citing that the incident was a workplace accident. This determination reflects the deep sadness and complexity surrounding such unexpected tragedies in work environments.
The Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, which showcases some of the world’s finest dance talent, was set to celebrate the reopening of the rebuilt Doris Duke Theatre, a venue lost to fire in 2020. The festival’s abrupt cancellation leaves ticket holders affected by the closures in need of refunds, further amplifying the impact of this heartbreaking news.
As the dance community mourns the loss of Kat Sirico, discussions around workplace safety and support continue to emerge. This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by employees in creative and performing arts settings.
What happens next remains uncertain as the organization navigates the aftermath of this devastating loss. The focus now turns to honoring Sirico’s legacy and ensuring the safety of all employees in the industry.
Stay tuned for further updates as we continue to monitor this developing story.
