With the current pandemic continuously effecting our everyday lives, theatre is becoming very difficult to do safely, especially live performances. However, the student directors of the upcoming spring studio season are ready to do everything they can to put on two great shows.
Seniors Erika Seabloom and Tyler Hughes both had big plans for the spring season that had to be adjusted so that they could put on productions safely. Both directors had chosen shows last spring that they now must change in order to follow the health and safety guidelines from the university and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Both student directors now have to pick shows that can be effectively portrayed even with actors socially-distancing on stage.
For her first fully produced show as a director, Seabloom had chosen Stop Kiss by Diana Son, a play where physical connections were a key part of the show. She was given the choice to stick with the script if she adjusted its staging to make sure the actors were socially-distanced at all times. However, she ultimately decided against it.
"I feel that a big part of the show would be lost that way," said Seabloom. "It would not do the script justice to rob it of those intimate moments."
Seabloom is currently searching for a new play that can be done in a more "COVID friendly" way but is also looking for a show that has a powerful message to be told.
"I have been dubbed a social justice warrior by friends and enemies alike," Seabloom stated. "I think that transfers over to what I like to do in my art."
Hughes also had to choose a different show to direct for next semester. Hughes had originally chosen All My Sons by Arthur Miller but realized that the show would not be the best for the "new environment" we all are now living in., as it involved too many actors. Now, Hughes has chosen a play by Lee Blessing titled Two Rooms. The show is appropriately set in two rooms, with only four actors, separated on the stage.
"I am excited to direct Two Rooms," Hughes said. "[When reading the script] I realized that this is a great opportunity to use the play's unique premise to our advantage."
Hughes has high hopes for what the SAU Theatre Department will create with this show. He is excited to work with his entire creative team, to help bring his ideas to life. Hughes is similarly excited to draw from the pool of actors that are in the department.
"There's a lot of emotional moments in this piece," said Hughes. "We have some amazing actors here, to the point where thinking about who could possibly fill the roles is exciting, because there are so many options," Hughes stated.
Despite all the changes, both Seabloom and Hughes are looking forward to their upcoming productions. The department eagerly awaits the wonderful theatre they will create.
Stay tuned for more information about show dates and locations!
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