Playbill: Though schools nationwide are preparing to start their fall 2020 semesters—and, in some cases, already have—the effects of COVID-19 are still being felt. We asked some of the leading college theatre programs around the country what life will look like for their students this semester, whether they will be learning remotely or in person, what performance opportunities will look like in a landscape where live performances are still banned for much of the country.
4 comments:
Outbreak of COVID indeed impacted many people’s lives in a negative way; for me, as I was flying back to my home country in March, I couldn’t stop thinking about my senior spring, graduation ceremony that is most likely not going to happen, and my last production at my high school. Now that I am trying to observe the situation with more calm mind, I decided to view the current society as an opportunity for the theatrical performances to discover the next step for improvement.
It was interesting to read how different universities were trying to address the pandemic in a diverse way. While there were subtle differences between the programs, I figured that there were some overlapping goals: bringing theatrical productions to another level by (digitally) collaborating, and also shedding lights on the contemporary issues (such as anti-racism) that were once again brought to the surface by pandemic. I do think that one of the beauties of theater is the sense of presence that audience get by being in the same place with the actors. However, I believe this kind of social situation could turn into a great chance for theater to study more effective way to deliver the performance for remote audience (so that it could be digital but immersive and engaging at the same time) and to convey the important messages by re-evaluating the society around us.
It is so interesting to see how all of America’s top drama programs across the country have chosen to face this era in history during their fall semesters. So many of these schools have decided to do live in-person performances with performers wearing masks and facing out towards the fourth wall without having any kind of audience in front of them. Though this may be technically safe, I worry that all the variables of performers wearing masks, or not wearing masks in the case of University of Cincinnati College, that protocol will occasionally not be met. All it takes is for one actor to not place their mask back on when they should for a case of outbreaks to pop up and lead to an entire department to shut down. While I do admire their motion to return to the stage as opposed to doing virtual theater, I just don’t know if the current climate is safe enough to do so. I also am so happy to see that universities like Boston Conservatory and University of Michigan are also taking Anti-Racist Theater courses. Knowing that so many of my peers around the country are receiving this training makes the future of our industry seem brighter, more aware, and more equitable.
When I saw this article I expected to see a lot of the same practices and techniques being used to combat the challenges presented by the Covid situation presented to us all. While most are doing some virtual or hybrid learning model I did think it was interesting that no two situations were two similar. Now going to one of the schools makes me wonder why each of these schools came to different conclusion I understand the different circumstances but it is interesting how you see what you perceive as similar situations show their differences in times like this. It was also interesting to see similarities, such as the us of outdoor venues and shortening production lengths when they are in person. The emphasize on cleaning and new protocols to protect students and faculty were also in forefront of most of these articles. It was also really encouraging to see Michigan and Boston Conservatory making a point about actively educating about Anti Racist theatre practices. All of these schools are going to have plans shift I imagine and they may look more like one another as this pandemic continues the return to school and education has begun.
I was really excited to read this article. Truthfully, one of the reasons I was so excited was because I figured CMU would probably be on the list. Ordinarily, the school's reputation would not have mattered as much to me as it does now, but after leaving a known entity behind to transfer here into the “unknown”, it was incredibly reaffirming to see the school recognized on Playbill, especially for my parents who are blindly supporting this move for my future.
In terms of the article itself, as a remote student, it is especially interesting to see the rundown of what different schools are doing. I truly appreciate how hard everyone at CMU is working to make sure our education is equitable, no matter where we are in the world. Working through the challenges of the circumstances has certainly taught problem solving skills and the importance of being able to adapt. One thing that gave me a laugh in the article was what I am assuming to be a typo of “reflector kids” being included in our materials kits.
As for the variety of schools represented, I would love to see a follow up article detailing how the varying modalities of productions worked out for each institution. My eyes visibly widened when reading that NYU was putting on almost 60 virtual productions. I would even attend productions from any of these schools, if they provided links. Seeing how different creators are taking these challenges is very interesting, and we can all learn from one another.
Post a Comment