LAKEWOOD, Ohio — A group of young actors is working through the challenges of this pandemic to ensure the show goes on.
The annual Christmas play at the Beck Center for the Arts in Lakewood is shifting from the stage to cyberspace.
Despite COVID-19 canceling countless concerts and performances, Ceci Whiteamire and Jackson Kenny are getting the chance to sharpen their acting skills.
“When everything shut down I was really disappointed," said Whiteamire.
The pair, along with nearly two-dozen other young actors, are taking their talents to Zoom.
“Obviously it’s not going to be the same, but we’re just doing the best we can," said Jackson.
For weeks now, rehearsals for their show 'A Christmas Peril' have been happening virtually.
“These young actors are very creative,” said Rachel Spence with Beck Center for the Arts.
Despite challenges with technology from time to time, the young actors are learning more than they would have physically being in the theater.
“They don’t have a stage manager saying 'okay everybody, this is what’s happening next.' They’ve been amazing at covering when someone hasn’t been able to pop in," said Sarah Clare with Beck Center for the Arts.
Of course, shifting from stage to cyberspace changes the dynamic for each performer.
“You don’t have the audience to feed off of there —you’re talking to a screen and the people on the screen," said Kenny.
"A Christmas Peril," which is a parody of "A Christmas Carol," now has the potential to be seen by even more people now that it will be online.
“We are able to share that with family members that would not normally be able to even come see our shows," said Clare.
Like all of us, this pandemic is putting the performers to the test and they are coming out stronger on the other side.
“As an actor we are told to be in the moment and use what you have, and in this moment, you may think we don’t have a whole lot, but by being creative and using our imagination we can still entertain the audience," said Spence.
