Creative Coping for Musical Theatre Students Amidst COVID-19
We are all feeling anxious and uncertain about what the future holds surrounding COVID-19. In the college audition world, typically during the month of March, following a year worth of prep and auditioning, students should be getting excited about their options, making plans to visit schools and attending accepted student days. That is not the reality this year.
For students in their senior year of college or high school, you’ll likely be spending your remaining months in virtual classes and will miss the opportunity to thank and spend time with the faculty and students who shaped four years of your life. I’m so sorry.
I want you to know I am frustrated for you. I’m also doing my best to remain calm and be proactive instead of reactive. There is nothing I can say that will make you feel better about the reality of the rest of the Spring, but what I can do is try to help you make the most of your virtual reality right now.
Below are a few suggestions on ways to stay creative, productive and motivated during a time of uncertainty.
For Every Artist
Create a place in your home to self-tape. Move lamps from around the house to create optimum light, take down picture frames, hang a sheet – you get the idea. You’ll likely have self-tape auditions over the next few weeks, and most certainly throughout your career.
Work on your personal website. Use Squarespace, Weebly, Wix, etc. to put together your resume, headshot, performing clips, etc.
Create a dream book of repertoire. Stalk your favorite Broadway stars and pull old songs they did during their senior showcase, recent performances, etc.
Hop onto https://newplayexchange.org/ and read plays by playwrights from all over the world that you aren’t familiar with. From 10 minute quirky plays to dramatic full lengths, you will not be bored. Do you like what you read by a playwright? Purchase one of their e-plays online and support them.
Take the time to follow and like regional theatres you are interested in, casting directors, etc. They post audition notices all the time through social media and take advantage of the downtime now.
Make virtual play readings groups. Hop on FaceTime with an actor friend you haven’t caught up with in a while to see how their life/career is going.
Write some songs! Now is as good a time as any to make a YouTube channel!
Exercise. Find a new virtual routine online and make it a habit to do it every day.
Don’t stop training! If you are used to taking weekly voice lessons but those have been suspended for in-person, commit to making them virtual. Not only should you continue to study, your vocal coach likely depends on their lessons for income. Commit to making a plan with them on how to transition, and stay on schedule.
For High School Seniors Who Completed College Auditions
Reach out to current students at the programs you are considering and ask to schedule a FaceTime call to ask questions. I imagine these students will be more than happy to chat and help answer any lingering questions you have about the program, campus, etc. If you are an MCA Student or Parent, please utilize the resources within our private Facebook groups!
Watch showcase videos, pull curriculums, take advantage of every resource available online
Be proactive! Reach out to the schools you are interested in and see if they have a plan in place to replace accepted student days. Would they host a webinar for accepted students? Do a live Q&A?
For College Seniors
If it looks like your showcase will be canceled, you can still do this! Talk to your program head and figure if there is a plan in place for a postponed date or if there are plans to take it digital.
Take it into your own hands. Make a video of performance clips of your peers and blast it out everywhere socially – show the world all you got even without being live!
Find a creative way to say goodbye and thank the faculty that meant so much to you. Make a silly thank you video, write them a song, etc. They are also saddened and overwhelmed, make sure you get the chance to thank them and lift their spirits a bit as well.
Above all, stay safe. The MCA team is here if you need us.
Best,
Chelsea
