But as with nearly everything else in public life, it’s all rather different in 2020.
Friday, September 04, 2020
This Fall, Pittsburgh's Performing-Arts Groups Adapt To The Pandemic
But as with nearly everything else in public life, it’s all rather different in 2020.
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The concept of drive in theater is something that I think is an excellent idea, and one that will gain traction, if not for the ability to watch live performances, but for the nostalgia of drive in theaters. While it can be seen as stepping back from in house theaters, I think that this will give both performers and crew the chance to experience outdoor theater if they haven't before. I do think it's interesting that this article makes it seem like this drive in theater is a new-ish thing, and I'm unsure if it's the way in which it's presented, or that perhaps outdoor theater isn't common in that area. Aside from festivals, there are plenty of outdoor theaters that have been doing outside performances for a long time. However, the fact that several theaters in Pittsburgh have been able to continue to performer in safe ways is something that nice to see, as well as that aside form outdoor performances, other companies are doing online performances, and making sure they can get their actors and crew paid.
I am very happy to read about all of the theatre happenings in Pittsburgh through the tough times. I have always loved the theatre scene in Pittsburgh and how wonderfully diverse and unique it is. There have always been shows that are out of the box and in untraditional formats, and quite honestly these are always some of my favorites. The drive in theatre idea is wonderful and a very good homage to the beginnings of the company as well as the original look and feel. I am also particularly fond of the online streaming of live theatre as it means that I can tune in wherever I am. I think it will also mean more of a broad reach for the Pittsburgh based theater companies as people from all over the country will be able to watch and enjoy the shows and programing. The comparison of the theatre industry to the tradition of keeping the American flag up and flying is one that rings true for many reasons. But at its simplest we want the theatre industry, particularly in our city to keep flying.
It makes me very happy to see a group of people dedicated to keep theater alive. Drive in theater has been a concept I have seen recently get thrown around often, and I’m very glad it’s all coming into fruition. I consider it to be impressive that whole runs of shows – or well, modified runs – are projects in process. More so, that there are enough people interested in working on them even when there is no financial incentive to do so. It is simply to keep art alive. I also found it very interesting how certain Pittsburgh groups have dabbled into the area of online education. Even after the pandemic passes, I hope some aspects – like offering free online events – remains. It has the potential to make theater present in a greater number of people, something I think could help the industry grow in the future not only in numbers but in diversity.
It’s so interesting to see how different theater companies are adapting to this new normal. One thing I did not expect to see from so many theaters was free programing. One company in the article said “It just doesn’t feel right to charge people.” I personally do not understand this mentality. Let me preface this by saying, I believe theater should be more accessible. It should not only be available to those who can afford a $150 ticket. However, artists deserve to get compensated for their work. And in the era of COVID-19, their work takes place online. I see no problem with charging a ticket price for a virtual production. In fact, I think if we don’t start charging admission, it sets a dangerous precedent for future digital productions. Viewers will always appreciate free art. But if we set that as the norm, we will never be able to get viewers to start paying. It’s incredible that since facilities costs are almost nonexistent in a digital space, tickets can be cheaper. But charging for a digital show should not be the exception. I hope there is some balance between accessibility and increasing viewership, but also making sure the people who are creating the art get the fair compensation they deserve.
It is very hard to keep theater alive online. As one of the main components of theater is that it is live, adapting to this technologically advancing world is hard. This pandemic has expedited how much our society relies on technology, and even after covid becomes a mere flu I am sure that society will not go back to how it was before. People have adjusted to the new normal of being able to do it at home with a computer, and this includes theater. I am happy to hear how Pittsburgh theater will be adjusting to this and not succumb to the pandemic. It is impressive how the drive of this company is initiating new ideas to overcome the circumstances. Though outdoor theater is not a new thing, just like having school online we will adapt. Sooner enough, these new ways of presenting live theater will also become common and regular.
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