Hi Erika!
We did a full season last year. In the fall, we produced two radio plays. We rehearsed them 6' apart at music stands with masks on. For the performance, each student was allowed to take off their mask and put it on the music stand after their first line. We allowed each student to invite two guests, who sat socially distanced and fully masked for the performance. We streamed the performances for others to see. For the spring musical we did
Into The Woods. This show has a cast of 18 and no chorus. Crew for all our shows were very limited. Again, we rehearsed in masks, keeping the blocking very spread out. They were allowed to take their masks off before going on stage for the performances. Our Senior directed one-acts used the same protocol. For the last two shows we opened tickets sales to 33% of capacity.
I had a long discussion with my administration about our process. We are a private girls school, with a highly competitive athletic program. It was very hard for me to justify a mask mandate in performance, when they were allowing every sport (whether inside or out) to practice and play without masks. We practiced in masks and chose shows which allowed blocking to be socially distanced. Here are the protocols we are continuing to follow for our season this year. We have not had one case of Covid as a result of our rehearsals and productions.
Actor/Crew Protocols:
1) Masks are worn at all times during rehearsal.
2) There are hand sanitizing stations everywhere, use them often.
3) No sharing of food or drink.
4) Do NOT swap spit in any way conceivable.
5) We get to performances, wear your mask backstage. You may take it off and place it on the backstage table to be picked up when you exit the stage. If you exit on the opposite side, have another mask waiting for yourself.
6) No you may NOT share masks.
7) Mics were cleaned and sanitized, then assigned to each individual student. The students were taught how to change batteries and handle their own mics. Each had a baggie with mic, batteries, and mic belt assigned to them.
Audience/House Protocols:
1) All tickets are general seating and must be purchased in advance through our booktix site.
2) Everyone must check in at the will-call table.
3) Masks must be worn at all times.
4) Seating is allowed in every other row.
5) Each "family" group should be socially distanced from others.
6) No concessions will be sold.
7) Complimentary bottles of water are available at a table in the lobby.
Hope this helps!
------------------------------
Terri Ferguson
Performing Arts Chair
Ursuline Academy
TX
------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 09-23-2021 13:26
From: Erika Trahan
Subject: Covid Protocols
Hello all,
We are in the beginnings of discussing a spring show for our school. This would be the first since March of 2020.
We are heavily debating between a spring musical (which we normally do) vs. a play. Any pros/cons in the time of COVID;I would love to hear it!
My two biggest concerns are COST (musicals are expensive) and Quarantines (particularly for a musical) We are a fairly small school, so having understudies for each main role may not be realistic for us..... We have discussed smaller cast musicals, but I normally like to pick something that we can pull in people. Our spring show is normally a HUGE recruitment tool for our program. Ours numbers are HURTING right now since we've been so restricted since 2020!
Also, for those of you who have done a major in person production, I am looking for a comprehensive list of COVID protocols that you used that you found successful. I want to LAY IT ALL OUT for them so they understand what will be necessary to have an in person performance.
Thanks for your help! :)
Erika
------------------------------
Erika Trahan
Kaplan High School
------------------------------