Friday, March 13, 2020 was the last day we were together before the school building closed for over a year. COVID-19 shut down theatres across the country, closed Broadway, and challenged our ability to perform. The Titan theatre community needed to find new ways to collaborate, connect, and create. For hours into the evening, we regularly met on Google Meet to socialize, find commonalities, write scripts, create videos, and practice the art of improvisation. We found light, hope, and spirit in our connection, but my talented and creative students craved more.
I needed to find a script that would provide flexibility. Teachers had just returned to the school building, but all my theatre kids were still working remotely. How many would audition? Would any return for in-person learning? Could we accommodate both singers and non-singers? I knew the students wanted to perform, but they were fatigued from working online. It was April. Would we have enough time to pull this off? I knew that if I waited for the conditions to be perfect, they would miss the opportunity to experience the joy of performance.
I decided to move forward despite the imperfect conditions. I found the flexibility we needed in CPA Theatricals. Their open-minded approach to producing a show at this time enabled us to perform for the public again. Our principal stood behind us 110%. He challenged me to think outside the box and provide a virtual and an in-person opportunity for the students to create and perform.
The Mystery of Custodia was the perfect choice. After a year of surviving a pandemic, the students needed a script that was light and would make them laugh. They desperately needed an opportunity to step outside themselves and just have fun. The students collaborated and rehearsed. They supported each other and owned the show. As some began to return for in-person learning, our show evolved from one filmed exclusively at home to one where they could safely and privately film scenes from the school building. They showed how flexible and resilient they are, even in the face of a global pandemic.
The Mystery of Custodia gave us an outlet to connect and create. The show symbolized progress. We were coming out of the shut-down and enjoying laughter together again. We saw each other in person for the first time, exchanged distanced hugs and high-fives, and solidified our theatre family. The pandemic didn’t stop us. It gave us an opportunity to discover new ways to create.
Thank you for supporting the arts at New Town High School. I hope this performance brings you laughter, a moment of hope, and a ray of light after over a year of quarantine. Most of all, I hope it affords you the opportunity to celebrate the incredible flexibility and resilience of our students. Our future is in good hands.
Melissa M. Banister
KUDOS
To All Cast and Crew: Congratulations on all your hard work and efforts! You are stars! Keep shining! ~Ms. Rollins
To the Entire Cast and Crew: I'm sending a Titan Sized Thank You to each and every one of you. Whether you are out in front or behind the scenes, your efforts are sincerely appreciated. Thank you all for sharing your time, creativity, and talent with our school community. Sending virtual hugs and applause to you all. ~Mrs. Berry-Carter
To All Cast and Crew: Congratulations on a successful production! How amazing are you all to be able to persevere though this year and create such a beautiful (collaborative) work of art! I am so proud of you and your wonderful Director! Proud to be a Titan! Way to GO rockstars!!! ~Ms. Spencer
To the Entire Cast and Crew: Congratulations on your hard work for The Mystery of Custodia.... I cannot wait to see the performance on opening night!!! ~Mr. Martin
To the Entire Cast and Crew: Thank you for the creativity and the energy you have poured into this work to entertain us, especially at this time when such uplifting is priceless. God bless you. ~Ms. Millicent Chukwuka
