Covid-19 swept through the world within months. We went from a normal routine, to shutdowns, lockdowns, panic, and isolation. People based businesses, especially theater were some of the hardest hit industries this year. With unexpected closing of shows and locking of theaters, it's hard to hang on to hope. This post is about what is currently happening in the theater industry, and how we as local artists can remain responsible while still creating during this time.
How Mainstage productions have been hit by this Pandemic
When you think of the big stage, you think Broadway. This is rightfully so. Broadway is the center of New York, and the pinnacle of the theatrical community. It's about as big as our business gets. This is the longest shutdown in Broadway history. Other shutdowns involve strikes, storms and even terrorist attacks. But nothing has kept Broadway actors off the stage longer than Covid-19.
On October 9, The Broadway League announced that Broadway theatres will remain dark through at least May 30, 2021. This is an extension from the previously slated January re-opening. As the hiatus, which began March 12 continues, we're keeping an eye on how the extended closures impact shows and actors.
Several performers are relying on the actors fund, a charity set up to support struggling artists, and unemployment to stay afloat. These mandates of theater shut downs vary state by stage, but most theaters across the country still have their lights out.
How Community Theaters and local artists have been during shutdown
Community Theaters have been no exception to closed doors during this time. Depending on where you live and the values of your community, your theaters and performances may still be canceled indefinitely.
This can be heartbreaking and frustrating to us as performers. We thrive on interaction with people, and showing our craft on the stage. I ensure you are not alone. Reach out to artists you know in your community. You never know how big of an impact a phone call or text can mean to people-deprived people-persons.
Within my community, all shows have been put on halt. There are plans to reopen, but only doing specific shows that can keep actors apart with socially distanced audiences. Other theaters have opted to do live-online streaming of their shows after their actors have gone through rigorous health checks. Whatever your community is doing, be involved. Make a donation if you are able. Support their social media. Attend or act in shows in a safe way.
What our responsibility is as artists in this time
Art is essential. It's a connection to the world and others in mediums that don’t translate anywhere else. Share your talents at this time. Serenade at the windows of retirement homes. Support a small artist in their online shops. Write down how the pandemic has affected you in a journal. If there was ever a time to create, it's now. If there was ever a time to advocate for art, it's now. No matter how you see yourself in the art community, your voice is of value.
While as artists we have a responsibility to be advocates and creators of our craft, we also need to remember we are literally living through the pandemic. No matter how desperate we may be to hit the stage again, or dance at a concert, we need to consider the consequences of our behaviors. You set the tone and example in your community.
If you continue to sanitize, distance, wear masks, and take every precaution you can, we can keep businesses open. There will always be pushback from scared individuals, but it is everyone’s job to keep in mind the more we do now, the more we can do later. Create, in a safe space.
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