Finding Community at a Distance
NMP's Young People's Production directors on creating a computer screen show

Opening night for Decorah's New Minowa Players Community Theatre will be without its traditional audience on August 7 due to COVID-19. However, the three directors are making sure the camaraderie of NMP's Young People Production (YPP) carries through in virtual format.

"The board made the decision around the beginning of June that the YPP would be done online for the safety of the participants," said co-director Indigo Fish. "We had been preparing for the possibility of an online performance for a few weeks before that," co-director Hallie Johnson added. Fish, Johnson and music director Sam Wilson are all Luther students.

Originally, Fish, Johnson, and Wilson had planned on directing "Little Shop of Horrors," now rescheduled for August 2021. The NMP board established safety standards for online performances, said board President Kathy Schwartzhoff. "The board's criteria was that no auditions, rehearsals, set building or performing could be done in-person due to safety concerns and that correct licensing had to be sought for anything performed."

"We wanted to make a show that was going to be really fun and high energy for an audience as well as the cast, and we thought the best way to do that would be a cabaret," said Fish. The directors came up with "A Quarantine Cabaret," a concert-style performance of musical theatre songs performed by people aged middle school through those graduating college.

"I think that our goal with creating "A Quarantine Cabaret" was to try and make light of this difficult situation - to show that we can still find community at a distance," Johnson said. "We knew we wanted to go forward with the YPP however we could, and we definitely were inspired by the funny and happy moments that take place in Zoom calls as people adjust to being physically distant."

The online platform has created some complications. "The biggest challenges I've faced for teaching music have been the inability to sing at the same time and the lack of quality audio," said Wilson. "It's tough to fine-tune certain aspects of singing over Zoom. The singers mostly had to learn by ear."

"It's hard to have a Zoom rehearsal when someone's video or audio keeps freezing," said Fish. "Luckily, everyone in the cast has worked really hard to learn their songs on their own and asks questions whenever they need help. In short, they're all super awesome!"

"We're definitely lucky to have a great cast that is passionate and happy to tackle these challenges with us," Johnson said. "One of my favorite parts of the YPP is the family it creates, and I really wanted to maintain that aspect in this show."

"Hallie and I really worked to create the feeling and connection of a cast even though we can't meet in person," said Fish. "We keep rehearsals productive, but we also take time to just hang out, talk about everyone's day, or make jokes - especially in our once a week full group rehearsal."

Along with not being able to direct in-person, the production has struggled with the rights to perform some of the music. NMP was able to get the music rights to songs, but restrictions are mandated. "We aren't allowed to use things like costumes, props or dialogue," Fish said. "We've had to get creative and find ways to subtly represent characters without breaking the rules. On the bright side, I got to enjoy thinking about ways to represent certain time periods and events through modern, everyday fashion."

Fish admits not having costuming and makeup has had its perks. "I am actually enjoying not being able to use them. It really forces actors to dig deep into the material to convey a story without the help of costumes and props. I think it's given the cast as well as myself a huge learning opportunity, as we've had to be creative and rely on ourselves to tell the story in each song."

"We get to see a little more of our cast members' real personalities, which is exciting," added Johnson. "The people involved in this show are energetic and talented and wonderful, and so excited to connect and build something with one another."

To assemble the virtual show, cast members will record individual performances. Decorah High School educator Molly Holkesvik will assist directors with editing and production.

"The most fulfilling part of this experience," said Wilson, "is seeing how well the singers are able to do based purely on their talent with limited instruction."

Fish said her favorite part of directing happens when people get more comfortable with their music. "Your job then becomes creating an environment where they learn for themselves that they are capable of bringing a character to life, teaching them the skills to do so, and encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones in order to grow. The best part of directing is when it shifts from me giving them ideas, to them believing in themselves enough to come up with their own."

"I feel really lucky to be part of such an amazing group of people," said Johnson

"A Quarantine Cabaret" will be available on the NMP website, newminowaplayers.org, between August 7 and 14 at any time. Similar programs are being adapted for all NMP productions through the end of the year. For more information, visit the website or Facebook page.