Coronavirus has impacted all industries and one of the worst-hit has been the performing arts. With many theatres and performances limited to the capacity of people and some of the greatest west end shows based in older venues, keeping the social distance rules can be challenging when navigating small corridors and areas which can’t be changed.
This has inspired the creative industry to get creative with their performances and to keep people feeling inspired and entertained.
Socially Distanced Music Venues
We all miss being able to go to a music venue with our friends and family but in a world in the middle of a pandemic, this seems like a distant memory. However, Virgin Money Unity Arena announced that they had created the first socially distanced music venue. Concert goers will be able to go from their car to their own individual platforms which are placed over 2m apart from each other as long as they are from the same household or social bubble. British indie-rock act Sam Fender was the first to take on a distanced concert which seated nearly 2,500 people.
Live Symphony Orchestra
A grand orchestra can consist of 50 or more members and to perform they usually require a location with good acoustics. With social restrictions still in place and a 2 metre distance to abide by, fitting in an entire orchestra and audience has proven difficult. However, this hasn’t stopped orchestras from creating performances such as the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra celebrating 100 years with a live symphony performance in a warehouse and broadcasted on YouTube or the BBC Proms which was performed in front of empty seats. Orchestras are getting creative in order to provide the world with beautiful music.
Outdoor Theatres
Shakespeare once said “All the worlds a stage’ and that’s what the performing arts are currently doing. Outdoor theatres have always been popular but even more now that coronavirus has limited indoor productions. One of the most famous production companies, The Royal Shakespeare Company, has moved its production from inside the globe theatre and have moved them outside for all to enjoy.
Zoom Performances
Throughout the pandemic and lockdown there have been many ways that those in the performing industry have banded together to provide entertainment for those that weren’t able to get out. One of the most popular ways of this was to pull actors together for a zoom conference and broadcast it across streaming platforms such as YouTube. This is something that is still happening post lockdown. There are many popular ones including Acting for a Cause, National Theatre and Shakespeare’s Globe which are broadcasting past and present performances of some of the most well-known works such as Hamlet and Romeo and Juliet.
Theatre
The theatres are starting to head back into rehearsals and performances are beginning again with many theatres blocking off seats and avoiding gatherings before the start of the performances and extending the interval times. Theatres and productions have had to work their plays and musicals around social distance guidelines and which have turned out to be interesting and unique.
British theatre and performances weathered outbreaks in the 17th century and came back stronger so there is no doubt that this will happen again. After all, the show must go on.
Virtual School Performances
We are not able to host the conventional Christmas / Seasonal School Performances this year due to COVID-19, so what is the alternative?
Schools are continuing to teach performing arts and music in schools as part of the curriculum which is excellent news, all is not lost, so is there another way in which to host the events that would typically see parents flooding into the school gates to see their progress?
Performing on a stage has excellent benefits, especially for children with learning disabilities. It can boost confidence and self-esteem in children. It also has the ability to bring communities together, some schools will put on a special performance just for the senior citizens of their area. A huge amount of school funds are raised at these events which provide additional resources for the children such as school trips and essential sports equipment.
Hosting these events virtually can be cost-efficient, saving on refreshments, preventing parking nightmares and reducing the stress of working parents. It also allows larger audiences to be invited to view the event, allowing extended family to see the children’s talents whereas they may not normally have the chance.
Some of the ways that schools are providing virtual performances are as follows:
- Musical talent / recital evening
- Student Vs Teacher Quiz night
- Online Presentations with Bingo and Raffle
- Poetry recital
- Play or Show
- Singing / Choral evening
- Behind the Scenes school tour (featuring the work of the Students)
- Q&A sessions with Teachers / Local Historian & Artist
Hoosuite has put together this handy guide on ‘How to Host a Successful Virtual Event’ so you can get started on your own performance. Dust off the staging, switch on the lights, camera, and ACTION!
Despite social distancing rules, the creative arts industry will continue to flourish and work around this new normal. Whether you’re enjoying these events from the comfort of your home or if you’re heading outside to a social distanced event, you’ll still see some of the best performances in the world. For more information on Staging from Stage Systems, contact 01509 611021.
Header image credit: © Annamarie Ursula / CC BY-SA 3.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)
