September 4th, 2020

Theater Evolved

I opened up my email to find a note from a mother thanking me for the work I put into directing her daughter in an online show. It had been a transformative experience for her daughter who felt engaged in a time of loneliness. Rehearsals were something to look forward to during quarantine. I never imagined I would be directing a show that involved turning off people’s cameras as their “exit” from the stage. Reflecting on my experience of theater through high school, I understand that this moment clarified how I am resilient.

I have always loved theater. When I entered high school, I participated in a no-cuts, all freshman show. In the winter, however, I was cut from the musical. I auditioned again. And again. And again. For two years I was not cast. The impact of this rejection was harsh but brought determination. I believed strongly that theater should be available to anyone who wanted to participate.

After years of persistence, I was finally cast. I understood this as an opportunity to change the systematic exclusion I experienced. I decided I wanted to direct a special show that would guarantee everyone a part. I found a show with a range of genders and many parts, submitted a director’s notebook for our annual senior’s student directing festival, and reached out to the special education department, asking for students to audition. I worked with parents and aides, met students, and identified their needs. My cast list of eleven people included six special education students and four students who had never auditioned before. I was ecstatic that my dream of including new people in theater was coming true.

Due to COVID-19, my school closed and cancelled my show two weeks before rehearsals began. I was devastated because I knew this may be some students' only chance to find their voices onstage. Something shifted when I saw a show online. I was fascinated by this Zoom performance and wondered if I could do the same. I reached out to my cast and asked if anyone would be interested. Seven cast and two crew members said yes.

Meeting twice a week, I worked with cast members on tone and facial expressions. We built characters and ran scenes. Cast members who played multiple roles picked costume pieces to make each one distinct. Roles with one line were treated with as much care and respect as the lead. My crew experimented with settings on Zoom, learning how to take people off video when they forgot or quickly send a chat saying they were speaking into a muted mic. Our show required immense cooperation, but it came together beautifully.

Next week we will be recording our show. It is a great achievement and conclusion to my theater journey, bringing people together when they can not be physically close. This is not how I originally imagined my play, but I am fulfilling many dreams and overcoming every obstacle that once stood in our way.