MPR News with Angela Davis

Exploring the new normal for Minnesota’s live theater scene

Two people sit on a swing with a third in the background of the stage
In this February 2020 file photo, Emily Gunyou Halaas as Viola, Sun Mee Chomet as Olivia and Michael Hanna as Sebastian in the Guthrie Theater’s production of Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare. The production was among the last before the coronavirus pandemic shuttered theaters in 2020.
Photo Courtesy of Dan Norman

Even though they couldn’t stage productions with lights, sound design, costumes and a live audience, during the pandemic Minnesota’s many theater companies lived their industry’s credo: The show must go on. Some companies worked outdoors, others offered livestreams and virtual performances and some went deep to offer pandemic-specific programming. 

Now that Broadway has reopened and many local venues are returning with masks and social distancing, theater directors and their companies are taking what they learned during the quarantine and applying it to their futures. 

Guest host Euan Kerr checked in with Minnesota theater directors on life during the pandemic and returning to the stage in all its forms.

Guests:

Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.

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