The Show Must Go On, But How?

By: Mack Leach

Due to the recent Covid-19 pandemic, many arts programs have either been adapted for an online format or canceled. Glenelg High School is no exception with Ms. Kassidy Sharp leading the way for our theatre program as the theatre director.

In almost all classes at GHS, there is not much interaction or participation, with people commonly having their mics and cameras off the entire class. Many people would think that fine arts classes are different, however they are more similar than you would think.In classes such as band, choir, and other arts classes people will have their cameras off and not come on the mic.  For theatre, this is not the case. People have their cameras on, for at least performances in class, and Sharp tries to encourage group collaboration through her projects. Sharp says, “We’ve done a decent amount of projects,  and things change anyways over the years because there is flexibility.” This was a shock since theatre is typically live and together that the classes were still able to do a lot of their normal activities. Some of the common projects that theatre classes were still able to do were improvisation games, monologues, and two person scenes.  

For some who are in their first year of theatre they have had an interesting impression. Take it from Glenelg Freshmen Michael Richman, who says “I’m glad that I was able to take the class. It's been fun and easy. It's a good break ”. Most people have said that they enjoyed online theatre even in their first year and will continue to take it. Also, as Richman stated, theatre has proved to be a break from hard academic classes. This shows that online theatre has been successful in some ways, including introducing new people into the community.  

Unfortunately, with theatre and all performing arts being online, there have not been many, if any, opportunities for audience interactions. According to Sharp, “Theatre is a live performing art, meant to be performing live in front of an audience in the same space.” This means that a huge aspect of theatre is missing. Now, for many others, they don’t really see theatre as being in front of an audience. Senior Allie Gorsuch defines theatre as “A safe space which is a way to find out more about yourself and to meet new people.”  From community building games to group projects, the community aspect is definitely being met in an online format. 

Many people are hoping to be performing and to be watching shows soon. For now, online theatre will have to suffice as a result of the pandemic. Online shows are a great way to support the arts until we can be back in the theatre.