HOPE, Ark. - Quick thinking a week ago meant a one-night-only theater production at Hempstead Hall was seen by nearly 600 people online.
"REHEARSAL: The Show" was all set to be performed by fledgling theater group SWActors for a live audience the evening of Friday, March 13.
But that morning, concerns about the spread of COVID-19 and the need to limit its spread through social distancing inspired organizers to live-stream the production instead. Hempstead Hall partnered with SWARK Today to make it happen.
Ultimately, according to a press release from organizers, "REHEARSAL: The Show" was streamed online to more than 570 unique devices, and viewers from across the country watched it.
Even without an audience, a show-must-go-on attitude brought it to hundreds.
In a statement about the event, the Southwest Arkansas Arts Council Vice President Lindsey Honea said, "We're just thrilled with how the production turned out. We knew the SWActors would be a new adventure for the community, and the event itself showed how resilient and supportive Southwest Arkansas truly is."
She served as one of the writers, producers and directors of the play, which explores a theater troupe's rehearsal for a big show. Amanda Lance also served in those roles and said she was amazed by the support and proud of the cast as they adjusted and made the best of it.
Lance explained that she and University of Arkansas at Hope Chancellor Chris Thomason met that morning and decided a public audience couldn't happen. Getting the word out about live-streaming, though, worked to bring them an audience online.
In a way, she said, it was fitting for the actors to perform in a theater devoid of the audience.
"The show is about the dress rehearsal before a troupe's big show, so it became almost like another character of the play. We also encouraged all of the cast to break the fourth wall and really cheer from the wings. We even ad libbed a couple of moments where some of the cast could run out to the theater and cheer the cast on. And it was exciting knowing that we were performing for potentially hundreds more people than would have been there in person," Lance said.
Castmates have reported friends and family from all over the country were able to tune in and that would not have been possible if we had gone with the original production strategy, Lance said, noting they're grateful to everyone who watched.
(Any questions about SWAAC, Hempstead Hall, the SWActors or "REHEARSAL: The Show" can be directed to Amanda Lance at [email protected] or 870.722.8565.)