The Show Must Go On

Photo by Piper Jones

SARAH HIOTT | OCTOBER 19, 2020 | ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

In the past six months, schools have changed the way they operate in an effort to maintain community safety during the coronavirus pandemic. With the option of online learning, students at Stanton College Preparatory School question how theater and other school performances will function this year. 

A well-known club at Stanton is the Multicultural Club, or Multi, which consists of a variety of ethnic groups that celebrate different cultures through dance, and are anticipated each year. 

 “A cancellation would 100 percent make the Stanton community very sad, as Multi [is one] of the biggest events at our school,” said sophomore Aneesha Mummareddy, who performed in the Raas and Bollywood groups last year. 

Like Mummareddy, members of Multi want the event to continue, but also recognize the risk of performances. Because Multi is such a popular club at Stanton, the meetings are usually very crowded, which poses an issue with practicing social distancing. 

“If it’s too unsafe then sadly I will [not participate],” said junior Sebastien Lacroix, who participated in the Chinese Modern group last year. “When it comes to performing in crowds, I don’t think I can go for it.”

Theatrical performances are also a concern during this time, since many people are present for theater shows. Stanton’s Thespian department performs a play, a musical, the Annual Night of One Acts, and other smaller showcases throughout the year. The productions are outside of school hours and are open to both students and parents. Since usually 35 to 60 cast and crew members participate in each show, social distancing would be difficult.

“Theater in such close quarters is highly unsafe,” said senior Benjamin Herrera. “Although theater is a strong force at Stanton, it’s irresponsible to continue crowd-relying shows like that.”

There is also a possibility that cancellations could have an impact beyond this year. The theater program could lose members through the loss of the annual Night of One Acts, a three night long production that consists of six one act plays submitted by students. Many students who participate in One Acts do not normally audition for the plays and musicals, so they are given an opportunity to try out theater and express themselves.

“Without [One Acts] I feel like next year the theater club could be hurt,” said junior Lainey Rose, an actress in the Stanton theater program. “We usually gain a lot of freshmen during [that time].” 

Most theater rehearsals and classes have been held online through Duval HomeRoom, which has led to mixed feelings for students.

“Since we do [scenes] by ourselves, it’s hard to feel the connection that usually comes with theater,” said Rose. “A lot of the scenes we do are based on how we feel, so watching it on a screen, you don’t get the reaction.”

However, there has also been a benefit in the way actors have to present their scenes. Since performances are now mainly online through Zoom or other video platforms, actors have to find new methods of acting and new ways to perfect their scenes.

“Quarantine time will make us more creative since we have to work so much harder to make the connection,” said Rose.

With students being challenged in their ability to reach the audience, teachers have also been challenged in finding ways to hold performances.

“Some schools and theater companies are exploring alternate modes of performance, working online through various streaming and conferencing platforms, so we might find a way for our students to perform in that manner,” said theater teacher and sponsor Mr. Jeffrey Grove. “We want our students to be able to perform, to express themselves, and share their creative work, so we need to find alternatives to traditional shows.”

Ms. Tangela Ennis, Stanton’s Student Activities Director, said school-wide club meetings on campus have been prohibited for now. While teachers are unable to hold in person meetings, clubs have found alternative ways to communicate.

“[We] are exploring the option of virtual Drama Club meetings, and, later, virtual rehearsals for what will probably be virtual performances,” said Mr. Grove.

Stanton administration has also encouraged online forms of club meetings as a replacement for in person groups.

“I am encouraging [clubs] to create their own Teams [channels] to collaborate with members and sponsors,” said Ms. Ennis.

The loss of these shows could lead to a lack of school spirit, motivation, and attraction towards Stanton’s performing clubs. The confusion due to the constantly changing plans in reaction to COVID-19 has left students anxious for news about the continuations of school activities, and has created a new and more urgent need for the relief and enjoyment these performances provide.