Solving for YES...Pandemic Edition

Circa 2020

There is no question that the currently climate has impacted us all in the performing arts industry drastically. From layoffs, to furloughs, to loss work, these are just a few of the impacts to the industry let alone our collective mental well-being. Regardless of political stance how do artists, stagehands, and creatives survive during such a surreal time? Working my side hustle as Production Manager for Central Florida Community Arts, named the 2020 Leading Arts Organization, I was asked to join a task force group in May to figure out next steps. YES, we want to perform, YES, we want the performing arts back, YES, I want to call cues, so how do we solve for the YES. This group consisted of many leading performing arts leaders and artists within the community and within our organization. Lead by one of our own, the Director of Re-Entry developed a working plan that leveraged facts, updated industry practices, contract requirements, efforts supporting the performing arts from around the world, and local health officials, in addition to the CDC guidelines.

"Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen”

With a working plan that was eventually approved by all involved including approval from leading health professionals, it was time for implementation and moving forward. I was asked to execute the plan amongst all the program areas as Safety Manager for Rehearsals and Productions. We had a plan, it was a good plan, we liked the plan, now we had to make it work and implement it.

From hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes, temperature checks, etc. kits were made (just like your Stage Manager kit) to execute all the rehearsals and shows that would be moving forward. Social distancing being a focus as well, we used stage taping measuring skills to social distance performers all around. We even developed a plan for contact tracing to ensure we had all basis covered in the event we needed to implement that practice.

It was after our first rehearsal that we knew we succeeded and solved for the YES. We were safely able to bring back performers and ensure their safety along with the safety of the production and creative staff. We applied the plan and it has worked. If you want something, you will figure it out and you will make it work. The smiles and support from artists were many, and they were satisfied with the practices in place to keep everyone safe. Sometimes our roles have to go beyond the basics to ensure we are able to do what we love. Being able to lead the implementation of these expectations for rehearsals, while still being able to stage manage with a great group of people, was rewarding knowing we have a socially distant performance ahead. It’s the best way, in the current climate, to bring back the performing arts and give back to all those involved.