Apache Theater deals with COVID-19 restrictions

Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

By Madison Lopez

Reporter

Since Apache Theater productions are such an intimate extracurricular, drama teacher and director Erica Mardirosian is still hoping to have shows for drama students that are safe for everyone involved.

While there will be no shows this Fall semester, Mardirosian is planning for two shows in the Spring.

“We are planning on doing a show in the Spring semester. Possibly two. We are currently waiting on the guidelines of what our return to campus will look like to decide if it will be a social distancing show or a streamed show,” said Mardirosian.

In preparation for a show, Mardirosian and teacher assistants Tavery Martin and Brianna Petrille have looked at plays that would adapt to the hybrid schedule next semester.

“We are looking at an ensemble type of show, which is basically a show that has standalone scenes but they also all fit together,” explained Martin.

At a time with many unknowns, the most prevalent change will be how a show will be watched. If the school and CDC allow for a social distance show, there will be regulations to keep everyone safe. The regulations so far are similar to what would be put in place for Frozen Jr.

“Audiences will sit six feet apart and will be required to wear masks. The performers will also wear masks and be separated from the audience,” stated Mardirosian.

Another safe way to view a show will be streamed virtually in an online platform -- this is what may most likely happen.

“...we will be doing a pre-recorded, streamed performance which will allow us to separate actors from each other easier,” said Mardirosian.

Aside from an ensemble show being the safest for students to perform, there is also the benefit of commonly not being a high budget show which would relieve some of the financial stress on the program.

“When talking about funding, we aren't really looking into any because the shows we are looking at aren't big budget shows,” said Martin.

With all the changes being made it may be hard to find the energy of watching or acting in a play that can’t be enjoyed in the typical fashion, however the theater department is still working to be safe and put on a show with the same dedication of past performances.

“I’d like people to know that just because we might have to do a virtual version of a show, doesn’t mean it won’t be any good, or worth your time and money,” said Petrille “We as a department always work as hard as possible to make sure that what we are putting out is good content. And that they should really still consider watching our productions, the drama department needs the people to help us stay strong.”

People are still wondering what happened with the Frozen Jr. production.

“Our production of Frozen is on hold currently. Decisions about the show will be made once we are able to return in person. There are plans to move forward with the show once we are able to,” said Mardirosian.