The absence of theatre has been felt painfully by everyone in the Prince George community throughout the pandemic. For me, I am fortunate in that my finances are not tied to the theatre and thus I am lucky enough to be able to participate in, and go to, theatre in my spare time for the pure love of it.
At the beginning of the pandemic my theatre group, Nechako Community Theatrics Society, had just started work on a production of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. When we had to cancel it, we decided to move to Zoom theatre, using small and local plays and readings from books by local authors. It was a fun, successful endeavor, but it was incredibly difficult as we struggled to maintain energy, figure out where we were supposed to be looking when there was no one beside us and mime actions to make it as realistic as possible. This is not even counting the numerous technical difficulties that came with using an online system that was limited by what people had access to in their own homes.
As actors, we are used to creating energy with the other actors around us. We play off of one another and the audience to build our own enthusiasm and energy. That was something lacking via Zoom. Halfway through the first year, when the restrictions were relaxed, we were able to do staged readings at Theatre NorthWest that were socially distanced and to limited audiences. Sadly, as COVID raged for a second run, theatre once again had to be shut down.
We look forward to full vaccinations with baited breath, tentatively starting to plan what reopening will look like. We know we will have to start small instead of picking up where we left off, with a major production like Twelfth Night. Burnout has been a real struggle for many of us throughout the pandemic. Finances have been tight for many and even as a small theatre group, bills still needed to be paid throughout the past year and a half.
We fear itself and the concern of people is palpable, even with the general population getting vaccinated. We wonder if theatregoers will wish to take the risk of being around other people once restrictions relax again or once people are vaccinated.
I long to see my friends in the theatre community, to plan productions, put together props and costumes, and of course, tread onstage once more. I look forward to theatre games and bonding with a group of people who are just as silly, crazy, and in love with the theatre, as I am. Of course, I look forward to once more stepping upon a stage in front of an expectant audience, enticing them to be amused, distraught, enamoured, and full of the feelings that only an amazing play put on by an energetic group can bring. There are so many different things that we have taken for granted in the past, such as the ability to put on plays, comedy shows, workshops, operas, etc. I think that once we are allowed, we will all get back into the swing of things quite quickly, and we will enjoy our return to our particular brand of craziness!
For my part, I look forward to rehearsing lines to a play once again, taking the time to research and become whatever character I have been chosen to play. I look forward to the bright lights and the warmth that comes from the support of our amazing community. I look forward to the exciting embrace of the stage.
For any extra information about Nechako Community Theatrics and for information on upcoming shows, please follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pgtheatre/.
- Ashleigh Travers has been involved with Nechako Community Theatrics Society in multiple productions, as well as serving currently on its board of directors. She also performed in Fraser Lyric Opera’s version of La Bohéme.
