By Ari Boldur
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, clubs are getting a late start. Running virtually is more challenging for some clubs than others, like NHP Theater. Theater is about live performances, and it is unimaginable how theater can be done online.
Despite the restrictions of in-person meetings, NHP Theater is keeping its head up and trying to produce any performance possible. It is heartbreaking, especially for this year’s seniors, knowing that they will never get a true “senior show.”
“NHP Theater has been my favorite part about high school since seventh grade. When the pandemic started and we got the hint that we won’t be having an in-person musical and play, it was disappointing since I wanted to end off my high school experience with my friends, doing something I love. But I still have hope that we can make something work out like a virtual play or musical,” said senior Thalia Torio, co-president of NHP Theater.
“It is heartbreaking, especially for this year’s seniors, knowing that they will never get a true 'senior show...'”
So far, NHP Theater has had a few meetings and a Google Classroom set up for updates. Coping with virtual platforms is especially hard for theater as it is impossible to perfectly recreate the intensity of a performance with costumes, lights, and sets that one would give to an in-person audience through a computer screen.
However, the club is currently brainstorming innovative plans for the annual play and musical. The fall play will be online, specifically through Zoom. It will be live with a remote audience, so people interested can watch the play in the comfort of their own homes. The details are still being fine-tuned, but NHP Theater will not disappoint.
For the first time in the club’s history, the spring musical is limited to only senior high students. In addition, there is a great chance that the club will perform a revue of music, which consists of short segments and improvisation instead of a written musical, but there is more to come regarding the spring production later in the year.
Although this situation is not ideal, seniors are taking it with a grain of salt and staying as positive as possible.
Source by Ari Boldur
Over the years, NHP Theater has created multiple CDs of their recorded musicals, so the virtual performance will be similar to if viewers were watching a prerecorded performance.
“It makes me happy to see how hard NHP Theater is trying to make sure us seniors get the best last year that we possibly can. Although it’s going to be different, I’m excited to see how a virtual play and musical will work out. Despite everything going on, I can’t wait to see what happens with the theater department and what we can accomplish,” said senior Hailey Mikowski, co-secretary of NHP Theater.
NHP Theater adviser Mr. Ferrar also gave his input on the situation for this year.
“Theater is inherently an in-person experience. So while anything we do this year is technically NOT theater, we're going to come as close as we can. The major hold-up is the technology right now. Not only logistically figuring out how we can get everyone to perform live, but also making sure that the district approves of the use of all necessary technology. We have a pretty solid plan, and once we get that approval, we should be up and running quickly. For the musical, we'll be doing a pre-recorded stream, since it is impossible to have the audio sync up live. While this feels even less like theater, it will provide us with the opportunity to have some more advanced edits. While these are certainly not ideal circumstances, I'm sure we can make the most of it and still have a fun and rewarding experience,” said Mr. Ferrar.
“NHP Theater has been my favorite part about high school since seventh grade...I still have hope that we can make something work out like a virtual play or musical...”
Everyone in NHP Theater is hoping for a miracle in order to perform the spring musical in person. For the club members, it is extremely disappointing not being able to perform these shows to the fullest this year. It is the last chance that this year’s seniors have at performing since many of them are not pursuing theater in the future.
Although this time is filled with uncertainty, NHP Theater is optimistic and is doing whatever possible to ensure some type of performance this year.