With JumpStart Theatre school performances and regional Showcases canceled or postponed this year due to the COVID-19 crisis, our partners have found creative and innovative ways to keep theatre education front and center. Here’s a glance at what they have been working on, not only to share with JumpStart Theatre students and teachers, but the general public:
The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, Ohio
TCT is streaming classes, vocal warm-ups and hosting watch parties to view past performances of productions like Casper, The Suffragettes, and Sleeping Beauty. They’ve also shared podcasts, study guides, and even crafts online.
JumpStart Theatre Bootcamp at Alliance TheatreAlliance Theatre
Atlanta, Georgia
Alliance Theatre has been streaming their productions, such as The Naked Mole Rat, and hosting virtual all-day spring break camps.
A La Jolla JumpStart Theatre school warming up before a performanceLa Jolla Playhouse
San Diego, CA
LaJolla Playhouse is hosting unique online classes like crafting with a costume designer, interviewing various theatre professionals and giving an inside look at their staff and favorite production memories. They are also hosting virtual camps for students and adults.
MCCA leading classes onlineMountain City Center for the Arts
Frostburg, Maryland
MCCA has put together a variety of online learning experiences for all ages and experience levels. Read Pete and Coty Forno’s guest blog on the Educational Theatre Foundation site for even more details.
• MCCA LIVE (Leaning In Virtual Environments) – Current class offerings (paid). Teachers are utilizing ZOOM to host live classes or private lessons.
• MCCA BREAK (Breathing, Relaxing, Energizing for Adults & Kids) – community outreach program.
• MCCA NOW (News On the Web) – Weekly blog or vlog post featuring staff, students, community members, and more providing uplifting and insightful tips on how to manage stress, create routines, and other positive methods for staying grounded during this unprecedented time.
STAGES 2019 JumpStart Theatre ShowcaseSTAGES St. Louis
St. Louis, Missouri
STAGES is hosting live interviews with theatre professionals like Hunter Bell and Jeremy Jordan, as well as online workshops.
Additionally, all regions are working on plans for an end of the year share-out, possibly featuring students singing a solo, reading their favorite lines, or performing the choreography they have been practicing. More news to come!
