With many students longing for connecting in a time when being physically close to someone can be dangerous, performers have turned to their art. In a collection of monologues and short plays titled “Alone, Together,” Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) theatre students will virtually share stories of lockdown on Nov. 13, 14 and 15.
University of California, Santa Barbara’s LAUNCH PAD commissioned 24 distinguished playwrights to pen the production that SMWC students will read. Topics include dating in the new norm, auditioning through Zoom, baby-sitting virtually and other relatable anecdotes from the pandemic.
Karen Crispin, theatre director at SMWC, said she and her students are longing for a chance to get back into performing, and this show allowed them to do just that. She notes that it is important for the program to continue.
“Theatre arts provide such a powerful outlet for creativity and growth besides being a lot of fun,” she said. “The monologues give a glimpse into what these students are dealing with as they stay home and try to avoid COVID. The group piece takes a look at how people have creatively found ways to interact even if they have to be ‘alone together.’”
For the safety of the actors and the audience, the Department of Music and Theatre knew they would have to think outside the box so the show could go on. That’s when they decided a virtual show would be the “perfect fit,” Crispin said. Seven students from The Woods will perform. “Alone, Together,” will be streamed three separate nights, beginning at 7 p.m. on Nov. 13 and ending at 11 p.m. on Nov. 15. While tickets are free, they must be reserved by visiting smwc.anywhereseat.com. Donations are welcome and can be made during the performance.