Live entertainment has been around since practically the beginning of time. However, over the last year this industry has had to change dramatically. 

The COVID-19 pandemic shut down Broadway musicals and  concerts. A year later, theatre is starting to make a comeback. However, tickets are extremely limited and live streams are scarce. 

IU musical theatre BFA majors recently produced a socially distanced production of Into the Woods.

 

 

The musical revolves around well known fairytale characters such as Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood and Jack and the Beanstalk. It follows the characters on their search for happily ever after and shows the audience what happens when all your wishes come true.  

To get a closer look at the show CLICK HERE. 

The gang had to make many adjustments to allow the production to be as safe and germ free as possible. Actors wore gloves, masks, and even had to sign a contract to limit their social circle while in the production. The team rehearsed in a cast member’s basement until they could use their venue at the Neal Marshall Black Cultural Center.    The cast and crew only consisted of 16  members and there no one contracted the virus while in the rehearsal process. 

IU senior and musical theatre BFA major Justin Smusz musically directed the production. Each night the show was performed for eighteen lucky ticket holders. The show was not live streamed. 

Rights to shows are what makes it legal to perform copyrighted productions. Theatre companies and independent producers purchase rights to musicals. The contracts that must be signed are extremely specific as to the number of performances made and if the show can be recorded. 

One of the best parts of live theatre is the live orchestra. However, the COVID-19 precautions did not allow for an orchestra. The Smusz had to compromise. He used an electronic track that had all the instruments the music needed. This electronically made track allowed the actors to sing over a full orchestra without the orchestra being present. The show went down without a hitch. Not a single case of Covid-19 was contracted. 

Smusz and his roommate George Mulder (a fellow musical theatre BFA major) are still actively making adjustments to their daily routine in order to be safe in the pandemic. The live entertainment industry is changed forever due to COVID-19.

The pair is studying to be performers. Normally, this time of year is spent traveling to auditions to work at “summer stock” theatres. Mulder has spent summers performing at Cedar Point, a theme park located in Sandusky, OH.  However, this year auditions are electronic. 

Mulder and Smusz have been using a portable dance floor for their classes and rehearsals. They spend hours in their living room trying to get steps just right. They have ballet, tap, and jazz dance class throughout the week. It can get difficult having to share a small floor space with a partner all hours of the day, but the team has made it work. 

Live theatre is not going anywhere, but the way an audience will  see live entertainment might be changing for good. COVID-19 has forever changed our world. For local live theatre options and audition opportunities visit this link.