The scene is set, the lights are ready and the entire world is watching. The cast and crew of many performing arts productions prepare for this moment to be worthwhile and spectacular. However, life as normal for the industry was halted and that included all shows and productions that were either in the works or were ready for their curtain call.
As artists and creators in the industry, the pandemic has caused not only obstacles but heartache for performers, whose lives consist of entertaining people.
Kimmi Johnson, Director of Shark Gold for the Razors Edge Shark Talent program, at NSU states how her work in regional theater was greatly affected.
“The most beautiful thing about live theater is that it is a shared experience and it involves groups of people both on stage and then a group of people watching the show. So, it’s a big gathering and it is special cause it’s so unique every night, no performance is exactly the same. There could be a new line or a new person added into the show, but because of COVID-19 things had to shut down,” said Johnson.
During this time period, NSU implemented safety measures like wearing masks, and specified amounts of people backstage and on stage. Currently, performers wear masks depending on the performance and directors.
“It put everything in the theater industry on pause, a lot of theater companies pivoted and did a lot of virtual theater. We did a lot of Zoom play readings, monologue festivals with proceeds that helped any actor or technician or designer in need. There were even Zoom musicals. I mean, we did everything we could to kind of keep it afloat, but we weren’t really able to do what we do,” said Johnson.
The theater world is a diverse place for artists to express themselves through art and the limitations the pandemic created stopped the in-person contact all together. Even with virtual shows and performances, the emotions you receive from in-person performances are irreplaceable.
From an economic standpoint this is crucial because of the decline in sales and loss of jobs.
According to online publication The Hustle, “It was evident the pandemic has made a risky and complicated business even riskier and more complicated. Despite drawing 14m+ people a year — higher attendance than all NYC-area sporting teams combined — Broadway shows rarely have happy endings in the financial sense. On Broadway, ~80% of producers and investors struggle to recoup their investments, a number that has stayed consistent since at least the 1960s.”
The economic resources are difficult to navigate. However, grants and virtual fundraisers are what kept many companies afloat. It’s a harsh reality many had to face during this time, yet the will to continue to fight for the industry is exceptionally motivating and uplifting.
Today theater and the entertainment industry have come back to life. There are precautions being taken when it comes to the virus. According to Johnson the shows in the South Miami area where she worked made all cast and crew members take covid tests three times a week and are encouraged to be vaccinated. However, the precautions depend on the production company you work for or are affiliated with.
The entertainment industry showcases incredible individuals whose passion and love for the arts is represented through performances. COVID-19 may have affected the industry but bouncing back and coming together as a whole is what keeps the industry going.
