Between the recent spike in Covid-19 cases and the continuation of online school, almost all standard high school extracurriculars have transferred to a virtual setting. This includes performing arts, an activity beloved by many students across the district, particularly here at San Mateo High School. Despite the unusual circumstances, theatre continues to thrive online and notable local performances are going to be streamed this semester.
Our own SMHS theatre department has navigated the online world under the direction of Stephanie Wozniak, the new drama teacher. For several months, she and a company of 30 students have been working on a Devised Theatre Project, a format that allows students to write and perform in their own original show. It also gives the opportunity for students to explore more than one role in performing arts. “I liked the experience of being able to create something from scratch. It was also very interesting to put multiple hats on that I wouldn’t normally, like screenwriter, director, set design, costuming, etc. I’ve learned that there actually are a lot of ways to accommodate this virtual setting and it’s all about finding the positives in this constricting format,” says Becky Alex, a junior in the Devised Theatre company.
After long hours of brainstorming, collaborating, writing, and practicing scenes, the devised play titled “Earth II” will be streamed on February 5-7 and tickets can be purchased on the SMHS drama website.
Also in February, Brad Friedman will make a return to the SMHS drama department to direct “The Drowsy Chaperone”, a musical in which a man tells the story of his favorite 1920’s classic. While this production will be streamed online in April, the cast may be able to film some scenes in small groups with the use of drones for recording.
Other schools in the San Mateo district have also been exploring theatre in a virtual format. Burlingame High School started off the year with a series of online one-acts, including “Bad Auditions…on Camera” by Ian and Carrie McWethy and “Help Desk” by Don Zolidis. Hillsdale High School is going to put on the musical “Urinetown” this April, a satirical comedy about a water shortage leading to pay-per-use public bathrooms and the jailing of unsanitary offenders. The show will be directed by Hillsdale drama teacher Allison Gamlen.
Local community theatres have also adapted to the pandemic, exploring new ways to perform online. Foster City’s Hillbarn Theatre has been hosting trivia nights and a show called “Name That Tune” hosted by Alan Hafter. This kind of single-night performance has also been seen in the SMHS drama program, with monthly “open mic nights” hosted by different students. These performances showcase all kinds of art, such as singing, acting, dancing, poetry and comedy.
All of these upcoming productions go to show that theatre can live on in spite of wacky circumstances and that our high school drama departments continue to thrive. It is easy to forget about extracurricular activities during the pandemic, but as a theatre person myself I urge you to continue supporting students in their passions this Spring. “It can get tough when you don’t have the audience to motivate you to keep performing. It’s just you and your computer,” describes Becky. So make the effort to support the students in our district and keep spirits high. Especially during a global pandemic, being there for one another in regards to our hobbies and passions is more important than ever.