Covid-19 has not stopped theatre at JSU

Angela Brown
Staff Writer/MC301

While some universities decided to postpone their 2020-2021 theatre season in light of COVID-19, Jackson State University’s theatre department decided to go virtual for the 2020-2021 fall semester.

JSU’s theatre department normally has a busy acting season. Each year, the department directs three plays, a Christmas production for the holidays, and senior productions.

With COVID-19 being a major health concern this year, to avoid postponing their season, the theatre department made a few changes to adhere to the COVID-19 guidelines.

Landon Arnold, a senior theatre major from Wiggins, Miss., was recently in the department’s first play of the season, “The Colored Museum” directed by Associate Professor Mark G. Henderson.

Unlike previous years, Arnold explained that because of COVID-19, everything is different from the way rehearsals are held, to the way productions are hosted.

“Things are very different this year in the theater as you know because we cannot be around each other at one time. So this year has been crazy, we have to do shows where there is only a certain amount of people in one area at a certain time,” said Arnold.

The number of people in rehearsals also has to be limited. Due to these new restrictions, Arnold noted that they take out the theatre feel and he does not know if he would even call it theatre anymore.

Since live performances are not being held, the theatre department has been live streaming shows through the university’s official theatre Facebook page @JSUTHEATRE.

Jackson State University’s performance troupe, Maddrama, has also felt the effects of COVID-19.

Making A Difference Doing Respectable And Meaningful Art or Maddrama is an organization that strives to promote excellence in the performing arts, according to its official website. Henderson is the founder of Maddrama.

Like the theatre department, Maddrama normally has a busy performance season and does performances showcasing original pieces almost every day of the week. But due to COVID, the number of performances has decreased significantly.

Agee Isbell, a junior therapeutic recreation major from Bruce, Miss., has been in Maddrama for almost three years.

Isbell explained that with COVID-19, things for Maddrama have been different this school year.

“We do not receive as many requests to perform, which means there aren’t many performances,” said Isbell.

While meetings for the organization are not being held and have been canceled this semester, Isbell noted that Maddrama continues to push through the changes.

“Maddrama is still active with the theatre department and under COVID guidelines, we rehearse and perform with pride,” said Isbell.

Since traveling to perform is something the organization is not able to do at the moment, performances have to be pre-recorded for any scheduled events. Although COVID-19 has changed the way of life for many, some take the time to appreciate the little things.

Deandrea Frank, a Jackson State University alum from Jackson, Miss., was a theatre major as well.

Frank noted that virtual performances are a good thing for actors.

“School productions are still being held but they are being held virtually. I think that is good because it is giving actors a chance to still act. They’re still getting their feet wet and they’re still working on their craft,” said Frank.

While no one was prepared for the COVID-19 pandemic, everyone was forced to adapt to new ways of living. Like with most things, the theatre became virtual. In an attempt to stay safe, performers now have to deal with new COVID-19 precautions, smaller casts, and less interaction with others. Regardless of these new changes, performers are still doing what they love the most, acting.

For upcoming shows and information regarding Jackson State University’s theatre department, supporters can find information on the official Jackson State University school website.