Arts and theater remain vital during the pandemic
Educational theater is an “essential” element of preparing kids for their lives “on the world’s stage,” as I wrote in a Feb. 29 guest column (“Theater is an important part of a student’s development”).
Given what has transpired in our world since that date, some may consider the objective of sustainability for arts education to be overly aspirational, or even superfluous, but I disagree.
Our country’s recovery from the coronavirus crisis will no doubt be a long and very difficult road, especially and tragically for those whose families were forever impacted by loss, and those whose livelihoods are threatened. Daily life has been altered in countless ways and will continue to present new challenges for us all.
As the reopening phases begin, we all will have various priorities, many critical. Where will arts organizations, theaters, and educational theater programs fit into society’s recovery?
Here’s my list of priorities:
First, be safe. Next, build life back — focus on your “distancing challenged” relationships, your career, your kids’ return to a social and productive learning environment and the well-being of your elderly or vulnerable loved ones.
But, also prepare to apply that additional bit of energy, heart and, if possible, dollars into reviving the community around you.
Spending at local businesses and restaurants is very important, but equally so is your support for and, eventually, attendance at cultural amenities and programs.
If you need inspiration that the “show must go on,” look no further than the Central Florida community arts and theater organizations throughout this pandemic. From live-streamed performances, to online classes, to community-building among volunteers and proactive engagement with supporters, they have demonstrated resilience and creativity, core skills which are developed in kids through educational theater.
Support of community and professional theater organizations can lead the way for educational programs to be strengthened as well. But don’t discount that one of the most impactful ways to build educational theater, in good times and bad, is to vocalize and demonstrate your support for it. Tell a teacher or administrator that theater
essential; throw a delayed (and appropriately distanced) “cast party” for that local school drama troupe whose spring musical was canceled; or offer your skills to help a local theater teacher start up in the fall, with gusto. The teacher would surely welcome your tech know-how or your help to source props/costumes (perhaps there are household items you’re ready to relocate, after 24⁄7 of coexistence, just saying).
Even as we all have as a result of this crisis, think about how we can each give just a bit to our community and the organizations we love. I challenge you to consider where you will apply your pentup consumer demand, your unbridled spirit, and your renewed appreciation for programs and experiences that advance community. My choice is educational theater.
What role will
play?