Backstory Theatre Puts on a Performance of Persistence During Pandemic

Puts on a Performance of Persistence During Pandemic By Kristen Beckman

“The show must go on!” Even during a pandemic.

Broomfield’s BackStory Theatre learned quickly this spring how true that familiar theater mantra really is when COVID-19 shut down in-person programming for many organizations. The theatre was forced to cancel its summer show, but the theatre’s leadership and staff made sure other programming would continue in creative and virtual ways, and the theatre is determined to present its fall production of Seussical in November.

Rather than hosting in-person auditions for the fall performance, the theatre is asking performers to submit audition videos virtually. Studio space had to be measured and blocked to ensure social distancing during a scaled-back lineup of summer classes. Instead of a cast and crew of 30, the production will be limited to 20 performers, with actors serving as their own crew. On-stage, performers will have to maintain social distancing and may have to wear masks.

Normally there would be four live performances, including a free showing for lower-income elementary school students with a cast Q&A following the show. This year, the theatre is working out how to produce the show virtually in case a live audience isn’t possible. That may mean replacing show days with production days that would include fully performing one act, then cleaning props and microphones and resetting the stage to produce the next act on day two. Ultimately, the entire production would be edited together and presented on a virtual platform, said Mary Wilkie, Executive Director of BackStory Theatre.

Many details remain to be figured out, but the theatre and its staff are determined to make sure the show does, in fact, go on.

BackStory Theatre was founded in 2006 to provide theater performance and education opportunities in the Broomfield community, which at the time had few performing arts programs for youth other than dance. In recent years, the theater has focused on ensuring inclusivity and accessibility so any child who wants to experience the theatre is able to do so. That means working with adaptive devices, understanding the needs of performers with autism or different mental and physical needs, welcoming performers from all races and backgrounds, and creating opportunities for scholarships and work study to allow families who face financial challenges to participate, said Wilkie.

HOW YOU CAN HELP While the persistence of the staff and performers at BackStory Theatre have ensured that shows and classes have continued despite challenges and limitations, funding for the theatre’s operations has been hard hit by COVID-19. Participation fees, class registrations, and tickets sales during the summer and fall months usually provide a significant portion of the theatre’s funding, along with grants. With grant funding becoming tighter this year, and the loss of revenue from class fees and ticket sales, the theatre is looking for creative funding options and donations from the community. To help, visit www.backstorytheatre.org

In typical times, BackStory Theatre offers skill and performance-based classes for ages 18 months to 18 years, auditioned youth stage performances for fully-staged production, grant-funded free programs in schools and community spaces, and teen leadership programs. When COVID-19 hit in March, the theatre transitioned six in-person classes that to an online format and then found ageappropriate ways to engage participants.

“Every one of those classes was between one and five weeks out from a final performance that should have been held on stage,” Wilkie said. “One we converted to a character study and each of the actors considered how their character would have responded to COVID and presented a song or dance over Zoom.”

Younger kids created puppets or costumes at home and practiced how to perform via digital media. The theatre’s school-based program wrapped up with an online video and a package sent to each participant. The theatre even launched a series of free online community classes beginning in April to help get kids moving, creating, and playing.

“I’m so proud of our staff,” said Wilkie. “We did not miss a single day of teaching.”