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The Arts Preserver
Written By: Donna Rhodes | Issue: 2020/09 – September
Humans love to be regaled, amused, beguiled, enthralled, saddened and gladdened. Thus is was and ever shall be. We simply adore being entertained.
While today’s stage has Covid hovering in the wings, performers are finding creative alternatives to live presentations. Actors are still giving their all to their audience, but through a variety of digital formats like Zoom, podcasts, vlog-style one-person shows, Facebook, Instagram, and other electronic venues. Actors are not only performing, they are teaching, streaming, doing voice over work, and more.
Jimmy Lewis, Highlands Playhouse assistant artistic director, has this to say about theater’s digital shift, “There have been many groups that have formed which I am very happy to see. It has been a good way for performers to connect with each other and plan play readings or virtual cabaret performances. It has also been nice because it reminds everyone that we aren’t the only ones feeling adrift right now. I would not say it has replaced the feeling of live performance but it has given artists hope for the future.”
When asked, “Do you feel like you hit ‘pause’ or do you think things are getting better or getting worse?” Jimmy replies, “I am encouraged by the amount of new work that is being written and developed to keep the world entertained. The future of the theater world is being written and workshopped and revised as you read this! I don’t think this only-virtual-performing-world is forever, but until we can get the case numbers under control, it is a great addition to have in the artistic world. And it will be interesting to see how this time shapes the future of theater when we can gather together again!
“But without an audience breathing with the actors, what will the future look like? It’s said Shakespeare wrote his best work during the Plague. Many artists are now taking this opportunity to work on their dream project they said they’d do if they had the time. It’s silver lining time for performers. Theater will return, with new, dazzling, creative contributions.”
“Jimmy brings an infectious joy and enthusiasm to all he touches and has consistently wowed our audiences with his humor and charisma,” says Playhouse Managing Director Lance Matzke.
