Members of Paradise Valley Community College’s Theatre department have not let the global pandemic slow them down. Continuing to find innovative and creative ways to continue on, the program is currently recording a collection of monologues to be streamed virtually later this month.
Ghostlight, by Michael Duran, is a collection of monologues that tell theatre ghost stories from the viewpoint of various theatre artists, such as a stage manager, actress, costumer, and scenic designer. Theatre Director Andrea Robertson is meeting virtually with students, one on one, to rehearse. Soon the students will be recorded in their homes in front of a green screen, which, with some very clever editing, will give way for a backdrop of the Center for Performing Arts. The show will stream October 29 through November 1, with a live talkback with the playwright November 1. Register here to receive an email from the PVCC Box Office with a website link to view Ghostlight.
“I’m so proud of my students for meeting these challenges head on,” Robertson said. “Occasionally I feel like a cheerleader keeping us going, but for the most part the passion and excitement of the students is what keeps the theatre department running during this unprecedented time. I’m truly lucky to have such amazing people to work with.”
This isn’t the first time Robertson and her team have taken advantage of the virtual experience. Back in July, students participated in the first stage combat skills proficiency test via Zoom. Remaining diligent about safety measures, students paired up on stage with Fight Master Brian Byrnes zooming in from Iowa to instruct and certify. Byrnes also held a personal workshop for each pair of students.
In December, theatre students will be presenting another streamlined show - A Night of Mystery. The performance is based on radio scripts adapted and modernized for live theatre and will feature a Sherlock Holmes' story set in Arizona and a Poirot story. Auditions will be recorded monologues due by Oct. 14.