Performing During a Pandemic

As the nation continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, the Fresno State Theatre Arts Department has adapted its productions to stream exclusively online. Some student actors have found this to be a difficult transition.

“It definitely sucks because lots of the people who do live theater live for, like, immediate reactions from the audience. If someone’s laughing or clapping, actors thrive on that. So, not getting to do that does feel really weird,” said Theatre Arts student Dylan Murphy.

Others, such as Cecilia Cantu, have learned to see a brighter side of the situation. “Streaming shows for audiences I actually think is a little better [in some ways] because it gives people who have never been to a live show opportunity to watch a live show,” said Cantu.

The department’s first virtual performance, titled Darkside, has finished production and will premiere for streaming Friday, November 6. There will be a selection of viewings available for purchase through Saturday, November 14.

More information on the virtual productions and links to purchase tickets can be found on the department’s Facebook page located at: https://www.facebook.com/FresnoStateTheatre/.