When Covid-19 struck theatres

During the lockdown periods of Covid-19, theatre venues closed, and companies and academic programs struggled to meet their bottom lines. However, Canada’s playwrights, directors, actors and arts administrators often took advantage of the shutdown periods to re-envision their craft, focus on new play development and invent surprising new forms of theatre.

When audiences couldn’t view plays indoors, some faith-based companies developed Zoom versions of their productions, while others offered interactive pieces in which online audiences could participate in the creative process. A few companies presented their dramas outdoors in tents or parks.

Although during the pandemic the theatre entered a less visceral period, Christian theatre artists and arts administrators have been remarkably active in preparing fresh helpings of truth, authenticity and wholeness to offer Canadian audiences.