Like other performance venues, the Woodlawn Theatre, a 2020 High Impact Grant recipient, had to change its operations during the pandemic. While the theater may have stopped holding live performances onstage in March 2020, it didn’t stop providing entertainment. Staff members just got creative in how they did it.
“We were actually set to start dress rehearsals for (the musical) ‘On Your Feet’ when the whole production was put on pause on March 12,” said theater Executive Director Chris Rodriguez. “We came up with special performances for our patrons. Our artists were at home, and we had virtual cast reunions. They talked about past shows and what they love about the theater.”
“Then, around October, we started doing cabarets, which were virtual performances from the theater that we streamed via Zoom,” he said. “Right before Thanksgiving, we started doing outside performances at restaurants. We even had an event at the Cool Crest miniature golf course, where people could play a round and then stay for a show at their outside dining area.”
The theater staff also moved the classes for their Woodlawn Academy, for kids ages 5 through high school seniors, to an online format.
“Normally, we have a Leg Up program Monday through Thursday. Kids can learn how to act, sing and dance. We transferred that to virtual classes,” Rodriguez said. “At first, teachers were working from home. Then in the fall, we moved to hybrid classes, depending on what the families were comfortable with. Kids kind of trickled in. As things started to improve, more parents let their kids come to the theater.
“This summer, we will be fully back in person,” he said. “We had a recital recently, with kids performing at the theater from what they learned during this school year.”
Live productions at the theater started this May, with a “Best of Woodlawn Theatre Revue” featuring performances from productions during its nine years as a nonprofit community theater. Now, the cast is rehearsing for a production of ‘On Your Feet,’ set to run June 25-July 18.
“There will be limited seating, and we ask that people wear masks,” Rodriguez said. “We are using safe practices in rehearsals.”
The productions that were set for 2020 will happen this year instead: the main stage productions of On Your Feet and Cinderella, and the youth productions of Godspell Jr. and School of Rock.
The Impact San Antonio grant has been a major factor in getting back to live performances, said Kristen McKee, the theater’s director of development.
“The High Impact funding was earmarked to pay artists in the theater’s main stage productions and youth productions,” she said. “The impact of this funding will be a true testament to the rebuilding power of the arts in our community.”
