The world of performing arts was among the first to alter and then completely halt operations in March 2020. This was due to the Coronavirus pandemic, and the nature of practices and performances in the arts to involve high volumes of people.
Sacred Heart University’s performing arts programs were no exception to these Coronavirus-induced cancellations. After nearly six months away from campus–and a lot of Zoom calls and compromised performances–SHU’s performing arts are back and adapting to new COVID-19 regulations and restrictions.
The Coronavirus Planning Committee at SHU has implemented multiple policies to keep the university community safe in addition to enforcing CDC guidelines, all of which are detailed on the SHU website. However, these new policies do not come without complications and an adaptation period for everyone, including the arts programs.
“While I am excited to hold meetings now, I worry because of COVID-19,” said junior Christian Colon, the current Improv President in the Theatre Arts Program (TAP). “COVID-19 regulations have changed a lot about how TAP works. We as performers have always been a close family, but for us to be safe we need to change.”
The changes due to Coronavirus restrictions are different for each arts program, including TAP, Dance, Choir, Band and Orchestra. The TAP program has implemented Zoom meetings wherever possible, an RSVP system so that there are never too many people in a room, and is administering temperature checks and limiting touching for in-person rehearsals
TAP is still holding live performances this fall and tickets will be available in the Edgerton box office as per usual, but seating will be socially distant and limited.
The Dance programs are similarly affected by Coronavirus restrictions; they practice the same standard sanitization and mask wearing but are implementing additional safety procedures specifically to keep all dance groups running smoothly.
“Kari, the Director of Dance, has divided the studio into sections so that each dancer stays 6 feet apart,” said junior Larissa Brito, a member of the Dance Ensemble. “Our classes are also hybrid and each class is split into two groups so that the studio is not flooded with dancers.”
Brito said she has been practicing in her room in Seton Hall when her dance classes are online. Some choreographers are taking their classes outside to create a safe, more enjoyable environment, according to Brito.
The Choir program at SHU has been adapting in similar ways, but they too face some specific challenges. “Our members are wearing a special singer’s mask, are seated 10 feet apart, are limited to smaller sized groups, and we limit the rehearsal time to 30 minutes,” said Dr. John Michniewicz, Director of Choral Programs. “Our group performances will be done virtually or by video.”
The Band requires there to be either a hole in the mask or no mask worn in order to play most instruments, so they too have been making changes. Marching Band, for example, has to operate at an increased distance from one another and alter some marching movements as a result.
One senior Band member said that it has been difficult for the members to form the same bond this year due to cancellation of pre-fall Band Camp and social distancing guidelines. “The band directors are trying to foster that same experience and feeling through our practices, but it is just challenging to do so while we are also juggling classes and other responsibilities,” said the senior musician.
With no effective vaccine yet available, the challenges and changes presented by COVID-19 may persist until Spring or later, meaning the arts programs will continue modified operations. Some performances have already been scheduled for the spring though, such as the Dance showcases in March 2021.
“I only can hope for things to get better and that our community will have life closer to what it was before, but until then we must stay safe and be smart,” said Colon.
