If you missed the Zoom town hall meeting last Sunday, below are a few highlights.
We declared a zero tolerance environment for harassment and discrimination. You must tell us if it is happening. Artists are inclusive and we are working to educate ourselves further so that we can eliminate micro-aggressions toward BIPOC, LGBTQ, and historically oppressed populations.
Faculty are focused on YOUR HEALTH (mental and physical) and YOUR FAMILY (however you define it). These are our first priorities. We hope that you and yours are doing well during this…challenging or difficult or unprecedented (pick your favorite buzzword) time.
Still, it is our job as the faculty to tend to YOUR EDUCATION. And at this time, we can’t promise we’ll be able to keep actors, crew, shop staffs and production teams safe in a live performance season. Meanwhile, Zoom performances may not offer the best possible learning outcomes.
Faculty voted unanimously to pivot to a mixed media season! We have partnered with Journalism and Mass Communications (JMC), a school that is very willing share resources with us. This year, students will begin to learn the skills needed for careers in mixed media- as voice actors, audio engineers/editors, production assistants, etc.
Our first performance of the season will be an audio recording of MACBETH. For the remainder of the season, alumni playwrights and screenwriters are providing material for us to produce as radio plays- even a musical for spring- all delivered by way of the KANSAS PODCAST THEATRE, launching in September. Take a listen to LA Theatre Works if you want to get an idea of theatre on audio/podcast.
These alumni writers are interested in working with students during rehearsals and serving as visiting guests on Zoom.
Dance is bringing in guests and partnering with JMC for some unique video performances.
A few things to answer your questions:
- Theatre auditions will be held virtually the week of Aug. 25, more info forthcoming. Up to 14 “podcast hosts” will be cast to narrate episodes and read advertisements from sponsors
- We are working on confirming titles and dates and will post again when complete
- Once titles are announced, Shannon will add the alumni scripts on Canvas for you to read/prepare
We hope you are as excited as we are to learn a new aspect of performance and production. Please let the faculty know if you have questions!