Keep the Light Shining: Surviving COVID-19 as a Theatre Artist

“I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being.”

Now, more than ever, this Oscar Wilde quote rings true. Theatres are closed, curtains are dropped, and ghost-lights are on continuously. To put it quite simply, theatre artists around the world are in a place of darkness and despair. We are longing to create, share stories, and collaborate with others. What can we do while sitting in our homes to create and practice the art-form that was abruptly taken from us?

We can keep the light shining.

Each day as I take to social media, I see theatre artists doing their best to keep entertaining and telling stories. Livestreams, interviews, Zoom readings, dance and voice lessons, whatever it may be, we are trying our best to keep the theatre world alive. All of these things are great and so much fun. But yet, there's something missing.

I think we can all agree that this is not giving us the same fulfillment that being in a dark theatre on a Saturday tech may provide. We miss the challenging times of rehearsing scene changes, perfecting quick changes, and receiving frustrating notes from the director. To put it simply, we're missing the human interaction of creating stories that reflect humanity.

So how do we move out of this dark time? Well, I think we try to stay as positive as possible. Remember that we as theatre artists are all in the same boat. All of us have had gigs canceled, contracts changed, and dream-roles lost. We're all at home wondering how the theatre community will get back up and running once this all passes by.

As soon as we're able, we must get back to the human interactions of creating stories that reflect humanity. We must continue to remember how fulfilling it is. Take this moment to pause and reflect on your last few performances. What went well? What didn't? Do the work for yourself now, so that when it's time to get back together we can hit the ground running.

Work on your marketing materials. Perfect your website that you've been meaning to work on. Find a new resume format and give it a new look and style. Create a brand and aesthetic for yourself that will stand out from others at the casting table. Create new vocal reels and self-tapes. Do all the things. But most importantly, keep your faith.

I've seen many blogs and posts about the ghost light. How the tradition has become even more relevant in today's world. I encourage each and every one of you to illuminate and shine like a ghost light. Be kind to one another. Take care of one another. And keep encouraging one another to perfect your craft through this hard time.

Very soon we'll be back in the theatre again, and I cannot wait for that day.