The following is an update from Mrs. Nebeker about the status of Spring Shows:
“I know many of you are wondering about the status of our productions.The short answer is that–like so much else right now–we don’t know. But I do want to give you some information to help guide your expectations. First, the governor has said that schools are to remain closed until at least May 4th. For one, this means that our original calendars and performance contract dates are out the window. This also means that even under the best possible scenario, we’d only be back in school for a few weeks. If we are back at school in May, we will try to arrange some kind of modified performance, possibly something like a staged reading with no tech or limited tech since we’d likely have minimal access to facilities. Again, this is best-case scenario. We have to acknowledge the possibility that we won’t be back in school at all, which would mean no spring productions.
Given these realities, I want to let casts and crews know that we are not expecting you to be working on lines or other prep for the shows. If we resume in some form, we’ll accommodate not being memorized (the staged reading would be scripts in hand). That said, you are certainly allowed to continue working on memorizing, characterization, etc., if you choose to. It’s all good actor practice. I just don’t want anyone to be extra stressed or extra disappointed depending on how things turn out. We miss being with you, and we also feel the loss of these opportunities. We were going to be amazing!
Similarly, I don’t have any certainty about Broadway. I have to say it’s unlikely we’ll be able to do it. But if you’re at home right now planning your choreography or practicing your solo, you go! These kinds of efforts aren’t wasted, even if we don’t get to perform when and how we expected to. Broadway, live from home???
We will do Drama Awards in some way. Jay and I will be working with exec to develop some back-up plans, even if that involves a virtual red carpet.”
We hope all are well in this difficult time.
EPHS Drama 