Collaboration is one of the most sought after attributes of the theater as it offers common ground to connect, re-energize, and serve. Even during the pandemic, we have utilized tools to create and collaborate, even without meeting each other in person. The resilient socially distant or virtual theater created during 2020 has served a purpose and we didn’t have to sacrifice the creative and collaborative spirit we feel when working together in person. In fact, as our availability has opened up and we’ve become familiar with virtual tools, collaboration will continue to be more accessible than ever.
With live theater hopefully returning in 2021, more collaborative efforts are expected with the combination of in person and virtual meetings. The renaissance of the theater industry is going to be powerful, especially after a dark age of the likes we’ve never seen before.
So, how can we collaborate in response to a pandemic? That’s the exciting thing! How can you? With so much virtual theater happening, the ability to tell your story is at the palm of your hand all while being pandemic-friendly, costwise. Creating podcasts, virtual theater, online training programs, blogs, even Instagram and TikTok content are all cost-effective ways you can keep connecting with a community and garner income. Once live theater comes back, we’ll be able to add these learned skills into our methods of preparation, production, and publicity.
Why You’re Struggling To Create During the Pandemic + What You Can Do About It And what if you’re starting from the beginning? How then do you choose a collaborator? Get out those business cards or remember why you Facebook-friended that person who was drinking the same martini as you at Glasshouse Tavern. Now is the time to reach out. Send that email. Message them. And if it’s a project you truly, truly believe in, use that one ask. We all have that person. On top of my go-to’s who I’ve worked with before, I have a short-list of people that I’m waiting to contact until the right opportunity. If they pass, I begin the search with a simple list of exploratory guidelines. They aren’t make-or-break rules, but they are kind thoughts to help me move in the right direction.
It matters that we have a sense of joy, wonder, and play. It matters that we must not find vulnerability as a weakness. It matters that we can stay organized and on top of deadlines. It matters that we can create a safe space. It matters that we can think for ourselves, bring ideas to the table, and take responsibility. It matters that we matter to each other.
Educational theater programs are implementing collaboration shifts into their lessons. From Zoom rehearsals to performing to imaginary scene partners, to socially distant outdoor performances, these kids are staying ready. It’s probably the best lesson they will ever learn and we need to follow in their footsteps. And the exciting thing? Since the industry is not yet back, many artists are looking for collaborative efforts. Right now.
So, breathe. Shape your idea. Find someone to share your vision with. Hold strong in our choices and experiences we create for ourselves. Protect them. It’s almost a new year and it’s going to be a great one.
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and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Backstage or its staff.
