Utah Theatre Advocacy 2020

THEATRE IS AN ESSENTIAL
PART OF A K-12 EDUCATION
FOR ALL STUDENTS
Although there are many valid concerns regarding the safety of students and teachers and the viability
of theatre in the immediate future due to the spread of COVID-19, theatre teachers are great at being
flexible problem solvers. As project-based learning specialists, they stand at the ready with viable
options for schools and districts that may not be allowing public performances next year. Theatre
education in the classroom, on stage, and online, is the ultimate life-experience class; it gives students
the chance to “step into someone else’s shoes” in a safe and meaningful way. Theatre teaches
students to think about the world and their place in it.
THEATRE EDUCATION RESEARCH SAYS ...
ACADEMIC
PERFORMANCE
Sustained learning
experiences in theatre
correlate to greater student
success in math and
reading and students from
lower socio-economic
backgrounds benefit the
most.
SELF ESTEEM AND
CONFIDENCE
High school students
who are highly involved
in drama demonstrate an
elevated self-concept
over those who are not
involved.
ENGAGEMENT AND
ATTENDANCE
Students considered to
be at high risk for
dropping out of high
school cite drama and
other arts classes as
their motivations for
staying in school.
SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL LEARNING
THE ACHIEVEMENT
GAP
Research indicates that
drama courses and
performance have a
particularly positive
effect on at-risk youth
and students with
learning disabilities.
Theatre teachers understand how the arts can have a profound impact on the social emotional
health of their students. It is embedded in their curriculum.
As our understanding about the process of learning improves, and as evidence mounts that learning is
a deeply, fundamentally social and emotional as well as cultural process, it becomes clearer how and
why theatre education has much to contribute to children’s education and how, in the end, it can help
schools and other institutions better support young people in becoming emotionally healthy, engaged,
and productive adults.
utahtheatreassociation.org
utahtheatereducators.com

21st CENTURY SKILLS
The 4 C's in a Theatre Classroom
CRITICAL THINKING
CREATIVE THINKING
We apply close reading to the script
We analyze our characters and
make inferences
We ask and answer questions based
on the script
We interpret the script
We develop choices for our
characters
We design the costumes, sets, and
props based on the script
COMMUNICATION
COLLABORATION
We construct a vision both visual
and thematic
We offer feedback and suggestions
during the rehearsal process
We receive and process feedback
from the audience
We work together onstage and off
We develop a community
We problem solve

AT
LOOKING
AND
CONTINUED
LEARNING
FUTURE
COVID-19
AMIDST
J U N E 2 0 2 0
TRANSITIONING TO RECOVERY
A PLANNING GUIDE FOR THEATRE EDUCATORS IN UTAH
At the time of writing this piece, some government officials and health experts say it is not
safe for live performers to rehearse or perform together. The objective of this document is
to help theatre educators sustain their programs and best prepare for a time in which it is
completely safe to rehearse and perform together again as we did in the pre-covid
era. Theatre educators should utilize this document as a framework to have conversations
with all stakeholders including leadership, performers, students, parents, administration,
audience, and community in order to best address and serve their future needs. The
content in this document is NOT medical or legal advice. We have never lived in a risk-free
world, and we won't live in a risk-free world after a COVID-19 vaccine has been
developed. There’s no easy answer that we or anyone can give you on whether you should
or shouldn’t plan your season. There are still so many unknowns and we must continue to
monitor and evaluate the evolving situation.

- In a quickly evolving
Adaptability
the organizations that thrive
situation,
find ways to adapt quickly. To do
will
research the new needs of all your
this,
and be creative, flexible,
stakeholders
willing to change and experiment
and
adapt quickly to meet their needs
to
provide the highest levels of safety
and
Revisit your purpose and
possible.
often to determine if you can
mission
those goals in new,
accomplish
and innovative ways.
creative,
- None of us have ever been in
Humility
situation before and the
this
we face are large and
challenges
every day. We are all going
changing
need a lot of assistance, advice, and
to
Don’t be afraid to admit your
support.
and ask for help when you
limitations
it. need
- Don't give up. Your program
Tenacity
an important purpose and your
serves
performers, and community
students,
need the service you provide to
still
during these trying times. Don't
them
up on your mission or your
give
You can and will do this. This
students.
challenge won’t last forever.
unique
J U N E 2 0 2 0
7 STEPS FOR MOVING FORWARD
Create an invested team of stakeholders - Recruit a
THREE MINDSETS
OF SUCCESS
committee of informed and involved people who are
invested in providing information and advice that will help
your program succeed and survive the existing
challenges.
Seek out essential and reliable information - Survey your
stakeholders to learn about their needs and concerns.
Meet with your leaders to learn about their requirements
and recommendations.
Follow and continually read
information provided by your local government and health
agencies to stay informed on rules and regulations.
Revisit your organization’s mission and goals - Determine
how you can accomplish and achieve your objectives
based on the information you gathered from stakeholders
and reliable sources. Keep your mission and goals at the
forefront of decision making along with rules and
regulations from local government and health agencies.
Identify key activities that drive the mission - What
services, events, and other activities are essential in
accomplishing your mission. These may or may not include
performances. How can you provide these services and
deliver value to your community in responsive and
innovative ways?
Review and revise your budget - Which revenue streams
will remain the same and which will change or dry up?
Identify new expenses and revenue capabilities as they
pertain to your new model. Add new items and remove
irrelevant items.
Make decisions based on analysis and assessments - It
may be comforting to make decisions based on tradition
and normalcy, yet decisions should be based on formal
analyses and assessments of the information,
recommendations, goals, services, and budgets
mentioned above.
Keep in mind the mindsets of
adaptability, humility, and tenacity as you make decisions
and move forward in this uncertain time.
Maintain communication with your stakeholders - Make
announcements, hold discussions, send emails, and
update your stakeholders on your decisions often. Explain
your decisions and offer further explanation and the
ability to answer stakeholder questions.
P A G E 2

J U N E 2 0 2 0
SEASON PLANNING OPTION 1:
HOLD OFF ON SEASON PLANNING
There are many unknowns about the future of live theatre performance. Holding off on
making a decision or announcing a season gives you time to gather information and take
time to make final decisions.
Maintain focus on or review/revisit your mission and goals.
Remind stakeholders of your mission and why holding off to announce a season will help
you further that mission.
Inform them about the alternative ways you plan to deliver on your mission and
accomplish your goals until you gather more information and can make an informed
SEASON PLANNING OPTION 2:
POSTPONE OR CANCEL YOUR SEASON
decision.
Postponing your season is perhaps the easiest option from an emotional and time
standpoint, but it comes with the risk of losing students, revenue, and even a sense of
connection and purpose .
Define a few key activities and opportunities that your program plans to do in order
to fulfill its mission and deliver value to your students and stakeholders.
Small virtual performances
Virtual workshops or masterclasses
Identify new sources of revenue.
Ticket sales or donations from virtual activities
Project grants for virtual activitiesOnline sales of theatre swag.
Stay in touch. Establish a consistent means of communication with your students,
families, and community during this time.
Online hangouts and meetings
Host a watch party
Email updates to stakeholders regularly
Get their feedback through surveys
Pump up your social media presence
Complete back-burner projects
Build an annual fundraising strategy
Streamline your operations with a systems and processes review
P A G E 3

MANAGING
STUDENTS
At-risk members
participate.
not want to participate
may
person, but they will still
in
want to feel included.
likely
them other
Giving
such as virtual
opportunities
may be
participation
necessary.
may have to
Productions
to a digital audition
move
rosters. When
reduced
and planning
programming
your theatre
performances,
may need to plan
program
for reduced rosters.
ahead
member policy
More
and
flexibility
This will
accommodations.
include less strict
likely
policies, sick
attendance
trying to help
one-on-one
member
accommodate
MANAGING
LOSS
AUDIENCE
program will need to
theatre
and understand that
accept
everyone is going to feel
not
attending live
comfortable
right now — and that's
events
Forcing ticket sales
okay.
help you or your patrons
won't
better. feel
season and/or host live
your
Let your patrons know
events.
you came to this decision
how
what your ultimate goals
and
for them and the
are
Honesty and
organization.
will go a long
authenticity
way.
you are taking. Let
precautions
know what you are
them
to do to keep them
planning
and any contingency
safe
you have in place for
plans
cancellations.
event
them know what they
Let
do to keep themselves
should
refunds. Your theatre
ticket
may need better
program
refund policies in place
ticket
manage cancellations in
to
event of illness or changes
the
intent to attend.
in
FOR
PREPARING
SHOW
the years ahead, we may see
In
continuance or return of
the
outbreaks in certain
COVID-19
If live productions are
areas.
this could mean a
planned,
likelihood of event
higher
Theatre programs
launches.
wish to postpone
may
announcements until
season
know more about the
they
plan.
communications
programs will likely
Theatre
to have an event
need
cancellation
plan and
communications
in place.
protocols
options.
contingency
programs may find
Theatre
planning a
themselves
venue or
fallback
performance
alternative
to better prepare
options
SEASON PLANNING OPTION 3:
PLAN YOUR SEASON
J U N E 2 0 2 0
Planning your season will help you stay connected with your theatre community and fulfill
your mission. But it could be the riskiest option in terms of health and safety.
CANCELATIONS
1.
Acceptance is key. Your
1.
Providing multiple options to
cancellations.
Postponed season
1.
2.
Explain the decision to plan
2.
Digital Auditions.
situation.
and recruitment model.
3.
Cancellation
2.
Programming and plans for
information about the
3. Share
venues or
3. Backup
them to take precautions.
4. Ask
policies, etc.
time may be spent
4. More
and others safe.
for cancellations.
upfront flexibility in
5. More
needs.
P A G E 4

SOCIALLY
CREATING
REHEARSALS
DISTANT
local government approval of mass gatherings,
Upon
may be able to return to in-person rehearsals.
we
rehearsals may shift to a social distance
However,
model.
may need to consider reducing their
programs
meet-up frequency.
in-person
and put focus more on activities that
rehearsals
only be done in-person during this time.
can
Rehearsals may need to be broken up
breakouts.
smaller groups with staggered rehearsal
into
to specifically set up social distanced
need
or markers for their members.
chairs
space is needed, larger venues or
additional
rooms for group breakouts may be
additional
need to be more strict with their sick
may
by requiring sick performers to stay
policies
They may also want to record all
home.
take detailed notes, and send these
rehearsals,
absentees so they can practice at a later
to
date.
liability insurance may also be
Increased
when planning mass gatherings.
required
waivers. With increased health and
Liability
concerns for mass gatherings, we
safety
see the necessity of liability waivers
may
live event participants.
for
SOCIALLY
CREATING
PERFORMANCES
DISTANT
will feel safer returning to cultural entities
people
allow for the freedom of movement in order
that
enforce a 25% max capacity. Theatre
will
can adjust ticket prices accordingly and
programs
for more performances, if needed.
plan
section capacity limits. Consider
Implement
seating or signs to indicate max
reserved
in each row/section.
capacity
performances may help eliminate the need
and
an intermission and minimize the risk of
for
is not only annoying, it is riskier. Theatre
line
may want to adopt a fully digital
programs
check-in times and an uncrowded
staggered
lobby.
concerts, theatre programs may wish to
in-person
or record the performance so some
livestream
hand-washing, making hand
encouraging
available, and sanitizing all rooms,
sanitizer
and equipment frequently and between
chairs,
to reduce the risk of surface transmission.
uses
be required to wear masks and/or gloves to
may
risk of aerosol and surface transmission.
reduce
J U N E 2 0 2 0
SEASON PLANNING OPTION 3:
PLAN YOUR SEASON (CONTINUED)
or spacious venues. Early data suggests
1. Outdoor
to distance themselves from others.
House capacity limits. Some estimate that venues
2.
1.
Reduced frequency of rehearsals. Theatre
2.
Shortened rehearsal length. Reduce the time of
Reduced performance times. Shorter programs
Rehearsal capacity limits and small group
3.
3.
exposure.
times or alternating schedules.
4.
4.
Social distancing procedures. Set up crews may
E-tickets and online ticket sales only. Standing in
ticketing solution.
5.
Larger rehearsal venue or more rooms. If
Staggered audience check-in times. This can
5.
avoid crowding in the lobby.
6.
Earlier open of house. In order to allow for
necessary.
Sick policy reconsiderations. Theatre programs
6.
Virtual performance additions or options. Even for
7.
can experience the concert virtually.
8.
Health screenings of participants at the door.
7.
9.
Enhanced sanitation measures including
Additional sanitation and health monitoring
measures.
10.
Increased ventilation.
11.
Enforced touching limitations.
use of safety equipment. Participants
12. Enforced
P A G E 5

LICENSING
MANAGING
COPYRIGHT
AND
Worldwide are offering streaming and
Rights
on Demand rights through
Video
with online ticketing platforms
arrangements
an additional fee. At this time Concord
for
states that streaming rights are
Theatricals
available for most shows.
not
need to obtain additional licensing for
may
such as synchronization,
performances
es/help/articles/music-licensing/typesof-music-licenses.aspx
Theatre programs will be faced with
costs.
difficult decision to charge or not to
the
ticketing fees. This choice will impact
charge
licensing required and the legal and
the
and licensing for virtual
copyright
can be expensive, theatre
performances
may wish to limit their programming
programs
such as plays in public domain.
choices
Obtaining copyright is much simpler
works.
working directly with the copyright
when
We may see more commissioned works
holder.
virtual performances during this time.
for
THE
MANAGING
LOGISTICS OF
TECHNICAL
issues, a true "livestream" musical
latency
performance will not be possible unless
theatre
performers can sing together in the same
the
This presents health and safety issues of
room.
may be possible. While synchronous
music
online isn't possible, theatre programs
singing
host a livestream event with a speaker
can
emcee who plays the pre-recorded videos
and
To produce virtual performances, a
needed.
editing software and editing technical
video
may be required. Budgets may
know-how
line items for video editors and/or
include
a place to host their videos such as
need
or Facebook. For private or ticketed
YouTube
performances, theatre programs will
online
a video hosting solution that allows for
need
links accessible to only those with a
private
ticket.
programs choose to sell tickets to their
theatre
performances.
virtual
SEASON PLANNING OPTION 4:
PLAN A VIRTUAL SEASON
J U N E 2 0 2 0
If we can't make theatre in person, going virtual could be our best option. But virtual
performances present a variety of legal and financial risks that theatre programs will need
to consider.
VIRTUAL PERFORMANCES
Theatre International and Theatrical
1.
Livestream may not be an option. Due to data
1.
Music
live events.
2.
A combination of livestream and pre-recorded
2.
Required virtual licensing. Theatre programs
mechanical, master, or print licenses.
in between their live appearances.
https://www.easysonglicensing.com/pag
a.
editing software and video editor
3. Video
3.
Charging ticketing fees increases risks and
software.
4.
A video hosting solution. Theatre programs will
financial risks involved.
Programming and cost limitations. Because
4.
More commissioned, self-written or devised
5.
An online ticketing solution may be necessary if
5.
P A G E 6

J U N E 2 0 2 0
CLASSROOM AND CURRICULUM CONSIDERATIONS
Overview: Theatre curriculum is naturally designed to teach students collaboration, communication, creativity,
and critical thinking as well as to help them develop social and emotional learning skills. Our subject is naturally
geared for project-based learning. The suggestions and ideas below are designed to maintain these important
learning areas for students within the theatre classroom and curriculum within the in-person social distancing,
distance learning, or hybrid teaching models that may be implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Keep students learning through doing and creating: Students learn to perform and create best by doing
it. Strive to continue creating classes that teach artistic content and skill through a socially-distanced, online,
or hybrid method. Continue to include creation, design, writing, active participation, rehearsal, feedback,
and performance rather than reverting to mere task completion or becoming a history or theory class.
Specifically scaffold units and assignments: Within larger online modules or units, break assignments into
smaller chunks to help students understand weekly goals and assignments. Give students clear short-term
deadlines and assignments that are building towards a larger project. Help them track rehearsal time and
hold them accountable.
Create and review specific social-distancing protocols: Based on local government and health
recommendations as well as your school and district guidelines, create, communicate, and practice specific
and clear social distancing and cleanliness guidelines for your classroom. Ensure students know how and why
they are being asked to comply with these guidelines and model them for the students to demonstrate their
importance. Transparency and consistency upholding these expectations can build trust with students,
parents, administrators, and other stakeholders.
Prioritize and determine in-person vs. online content: Determine which content should be prioritized for
in-person instruction and which content is best suited for online delivery. Using a flipped classroom model
where in-person class time is used to give corrections, coach, and assess technique while online recordings
or meetings can be used for rehearsal, direct instruction, teaching music, teaching choreography, etc.
Facilitate small group work online: Explore ways students can meet/rehearse in small groups or sections
using online meeting technology. Students are often comfortable communicating this way and have reported
they have found it valuable to collaborate and rehearse in small groups online.
Hold in-person classes in large, well-ventilated spaces if available: Research is showing that social
distance needs to be greater when students are using their full lung capacity to perform. Check with your
school to see if it is possible to access an auditorium, gym, commons, multipurpose or outdoor space to be
able to spread students out as they perform at full volume.
Maintain accountability for students while maintaining flexibility: Hold regularly scheduled classes and
rehearsals. Expect students to attend and complete all assigned work. Remind students of these
expectations, contact students to let them know you notice when they aren’t in class and follow up with
students who stop attending. At the same, understand students are working in challenging circumstances and
may need online and distance options if they or family members fall ill or are immuno-compromised. Be
prepared and ready to provide flexibility as needed.
Encourage the safety, inclusivity, respect, and empathy that theatre has always engendered: Social
distancing, wearing masks, staying home when sick, and even simple beliefs about the COVID-19 pandemic
have become highly politicized and sensitive in our society. Facilitate and model an environment of safety,
understanding, inclusivity, respect, and kindness that has always been at the forefront of the theatrical
process and mission.
P A G E 7

Website: https://www.utahtheatereducators.com/
UACTT
Website: https://utahtheatreassociation.org/
UTA
Webinars: https://learn.schooltheatre.org/webinars?
EdTA
fbclid=IwAR0IVWvID_nElhRBsjj10i6louydyq69chQhjiDalfCIXIArrDZeypppJyc
Blogs: https://www.schooltheatre.org/browse/blogs
EdTA
COVID-19 Update and Resources: https://www.aate.com/covid-19-update
AATE
Incite/Insight: https://www.facebook.com/aateinsights/
AATE
Folk Teaching Resources: https://www.theatrefolk.com/resources
Theatre
Teaching Group Online Classes: https://www.broadwayteachinggroup.com/online-classes
Broadway
Artists Alliance Online Master Classes:
Broadway
https://www.broadwayartistsalliance.org/programs/one-day-master-classes-2/
Learning:Resources for Theatre Educators Teaching Online -- The
Digital
Latest:https://www.facebook.com/notes/inciteinsight/resources-for-theatre-educators-teachingonlinethe-latest/224300158956439/
Learning Classroom Resources (The Kennedy Center):https://www.kennedycenter.org/education/resources-for-educators/classroom-resources/
Digital
https://www.artworkarchive.com/guides/covid-19-artist-resources?
utm_source=newsletterclass&utm_campaign=covidhub
https://www.aep-arts.org/covid-19-resources/
https://www.americansforthearts.org/by-topic/disaster-preparedness/coronavirus-covid-19-resourceand-response-center
https://creative-capital.org/2020/03/13/list-of-arts-resources-during-the-covid-19-outbreak/
J U N E 2 0 2 0
RESOURCES
WE ARE HERE
TO SUPPORT
YOU!
Other Arts Organizations Resource Lists:
https://sites.google.com/dccollaborative.org/distance-learning-database/home
P A G E 8