Theater embraces first regular season since 2020

For the CSB+SJU Theater Department, the 2022-2023 school year marks the first normal performance season since COVID’s abrupt shutdown in the spring of 2020. Despite masking requirements and a variety of CDC precautions, the department only canceled one show in the last two years, the musical “Chicago”, in the spring of 2020.

Director Sean Dooley reflected on the department’s struggle when trying to put forth productions while also considering the safety of performers.

“It wasn’t safe for us to sing,” Dooley said. “We kept the costumes for ‘Chicago’ for a while hoping the outlook would change, but ultimately we needed to do what was best for our performers’ safety.”

The department demonstrated its adaptability and perseverance in the last two seasons, whether through performing shows outdoors in the Darnall Amphitheater at CSB or reimagining choreography to ensure actors stayed at least six feet apart. Even as COVID regulations changed week by week, the department was determined to provide opportunities for student actors to pursue their passion.

CSB junior Cassie Johnson has been performing since her first year. This will be her first time acting in an environment without various safety precautions in place.

“The first show I did freshman year was ‘Leveling Up.’ It was a unique experience because we were all masked and had to stand in our own squares spread across the stage to make sure we were six feet apart,” Johnson said.

A lack of audience members posed yet another difficulty for actors these last few seasons, with many individuals choosing to livestream the performances from the comfort of their homes instead of attending in person.

“The plays this semester will captivate the audience’s attention, and we look forward to filling the seats again,” Dooley said.

Now, for the first time in almost three years, the department looks forward to a season that closely mimics pre-pandemic performances. CSB+SJU Theater will perform two plays, “The Hatmaker’s Wife” by Lauren Yee and “On the Verge” by Eric Overmyer, this semester.

“Plays need to give our students the opportunity to learn and grow,” Dooley said. “And I look forward to seeing what our actors accomplish this semester.”

Johnson echoed the sentiment from a performer’s perspective.

“It is truly hard to put into words how excited I am to be on stage and interact with actors without worrying about certain regulations. I can’t wait to have an audience to perform for again,” Johnson said.

Rehearsals for both performances will continue in the coming weeks as both the directors and actors prepare to open the house once again. Performances for both plays will take place at CSB’s Coleman Theater. “The Hatmaker’s Wife” runs Oct. 13, 15 and 16 and performances of “On the Verge” take place Nov. 17-20. Tickets for both performances are available on the theater department website.