The Challenge of Creating Theater during Covid-19. Quite Literally.
As the pandemic continues to put a damper on everyone’s theatrical plans, it can be a struggle to, well, plan. And I get it. Believe me. On March 10th, I said to my staff, “We’re going to have four musicals debut in the next 18 months!”
We planned. A virus laughed.
But we WILL get the last effin’ laugh when our curtains go back up. I mean, what a celebration it will be!
That’s what I say to myself every morning when I fire up my computer and challenge myself with . . . well . . . coming up with things to do to make theater . . . when we can’t make theater.
Over the past few weeks, I came up with a whole bunch of daily tasks, activities, and serious ACTION ITEMS to prepare for ‘Curtain Up’ day.
And you know what? They are working. They are moving my projects forward when it’s hard to move anything forward.
That’s why I want to share them with you. And I want you to have some fun at the same time. 🙂
So last week, we created The 19 Day “Creating Theater During Covid-19” Challenge.
What the shutdown is that?
- 19 daily video lessons from me describing a task (that I do) to keep your project moving forward.
- A forum to post your assignments/homework.
- Feedback from fellow committed TheaterMakers like yourself.
- A “Get Produced” Blueprint WHEN you successfully complete the challenge.
- And a few surprises along the way.
Does it cost something?
Yes. $19. (Get it?)
And we’re donating the profits to my Dad’s encouragement fund.
I guess we could have made it free instead. But I find that you’re much more likely to “show up” for something when you have to pay for it. True, right? (Why do you think personal trainers exist!).
And I want you to complete this mother-chuckin’ challenge because I want your shows out there in the world when this is over. (And with all this vaccine talk – I figure we’re starting to see a glimmer of light down the road – so now is the time to get ourselves ready!) And this way we give a little boost to the upcoming TheaterMakers at the same time.
Who’s in to make some theater?
The challenge starts on August 10th. Absolutely no latecomers.
Sign up for it here.
And prepare for some coronavirus-kickin’ action.
Podcasting
Ken created one of the first Broadway podcasts, recording over 250 episodes over 7 years. It features interviews with A-listers in the theater about how they “made it”, including 2 Pulitzer Prize Winners, 7 Academy Award Winners and 76 Tony Award winners. Notable guests include Pasek & Paul, Kenny Leon, Lynn Ahrens and more.
