A New Theatre Yearly Season

The theatre/entertainment world was hit the hardest during the pandemic. For the most part by the summer of 2020 many industries were able to pivot and create new and different ways to continue to work. The theatre and entertainment world, the most creative industry, oddly enough did not find any new creative ways to produce theatre or entertainment in this climate.

The thing about change is that it not only helps you succeed in a time of crisis, it helps you to create additional options once the crisis is over.

Unfortunately, the theatre world has yet to create a new way of creating performing arts. This article is not a critical one that will criticize the industry, instead this will give the theatre and entertainment world a new idea on creating theatre.

Although my ideas may seem overwhelming at first, once they are in motion, it will be as easy as 1. 2. 3. Whether a community theatre, regional, professional, or Broadway, the first step is to get a filming crew. Now-a-days camera and filming are not as expensive and challenging as it once was.

The second step is to set up a website or an account with Vimeo or a site that allows you to set up payment registration. In other words, a way people have to pay to see your content. The next step is to hire artistic directors for both in-person shows and virtual. Then you want to find a place where you can have outside performances. Once all this is in place you can now begin. You will be doing two things at once, so make sure you have enough help.

First you want to rehearse a cast for indoor shows during the cold months. Secondly, create virtual shows. This would be you rehearsing a show that will be filmed. You can have no audience or have an invited audience for the filming. You would want to film at least three shows. A show to be viewed one per month (January – March). You also want to film the shows during the spring and summer for audiences who do not feel safe being indoors at functions. The thing about this idea is, you can now make your shows available internationally.

People from all over the world can pay a fee to watch your shows in the comfort of their own home. During the spring and summer, you can have both indoor and outdoor performances. This way people who choose not to be vaccinated either for religious or health reasons can enjoy a show. While you are having performances in the spring and summer outdoors you can use the indoors to film your shows for the winter. Cancelling shows during the winter due to snow/ice can be eliminated if you choose to close the theatre during the winter months. Being that you will be offering online viewing, you can make your funds that way.

During the winter you can film more shows for the autumn ahead. You can still have performances all year round if you please, you still will have more options for your patrons and be able to have a wider audience adding an online presence. This way you can continue to offer art to anyone and everyone all over the world. The thing is once the pandemic is over, you still have options for people who may not be able to get to your theatre for whatever reason. And with this online presence you can offer free viewings to get your audience interested in purchasing tickets to watch the show online. You can have a behind the scenes look, interview the staff, crew, and cast. You can have a virtual tour of the theatre.

The ideas are endless.

The amazing thing about this, is you are creating options for the audience and creating new jobs for the artists. You are also creating opportunities for corporations, and business (big and small) to sponsor or advertise. During the virtual 15 minute or less intermission, you can have interviews as well as sponsor’s commercials. It is a win, win, win situation.

It is very dangerous to go back to normal in a time where the universe is creating change. The perfect example is BlockBuster Video. When viewing movies at home changed (Netflix, RedBox), BlockBuster believed they were fads that would go away. In the end BlockBuster is gone and Netflix and RedBox are still here. We know this pandemic will end, the thing is, will the changes it brought end with it? Now is the time to move with change. Once it is here and you are behind, you will be left behind. It is time for the creative world to get creative and create new and exciting ways to experience the arts.

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