This semester, there has been a lot of changes in the way we live life on campus. Some of our classes have gone either hybrid or fully online, many extracurricular activities have been canceled and we are required to wear a mask to leave our dorm-space. One of the many activities that have had to change due to our situation is Longwood Theatre. The theatre department has made a significant impact on its production schedule to provide the audience with a safe way to enjoy their performances.
Originally, the schedule had a full season of four productions, two in each semester. The season would’ve started with "Amadeus" by Peter Shaffer and then would have gone into "Baskerville" by Ken Ludwig, a play that Longwood tried to put on back in the Spring of 2020. In the Spring of 2021, Longwood Theatre would have opened with "She Kills Monsters" by Qui Nguyen and ended with the musical "First Date" by Austin Winsberg. This was going to be an exciting year for Longwood Theatre, however, there had to be some changes to keep them going throughout the year.
As of now, the only two shows that are going to be produced at Longwood this season are "She Kills Monsters" and "Baskerville". Even then, there are still changes to be made. As one may have already seen, "First Date" and "Amadeus" were both canceled, leaving one show per season and some rearranging. To start things off, "She Kills Monsters" has been changed to a virtual play, now being called "She Kills Monsters: Virtual Realms". This play will take place from Wednesday, Nov. 11 through Sunday, Nov. 15. As for "Baskerville", that has been moved to the Spring. It will be produced around April, but the Theatre is holding off on deciding whether it will be online or live.
This year is going to be like nothing we have seen before. It is going to be difficult. Many other schools have already fallen victim to COVID-19 cases popping up, but if we keep wearing our mask and following policies, we may get through this. Yes, there are changes and yes, changes are stressful, but we can get through this as a school that stands united. If activities such as Theatre can keep going, we as Lancers can keep going.
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