“The show must go on”: Community theater in a post-pandemic world

                                                   Willy Wonka production / Photo submitted by the Cambridge Performing Arts Centre

By Desiré Correa

CAMBRIDGE, Ohio—The COVID-19 pandemic struck a severe blow to the performing arts, forcing theater companies around the world to close their doors. Four years after the pandemic’s outbreak, many community theatres continue to grapple with the lasting impacts. Some audiences have been slow to return to live events and fundraising has become more difficult. The Community Theater in Cambridge, Ohio, is forging its comeback through creative collaborations and new community connections.

From Ancient Greece to a Post-Pandemic 21st Century

Theater has been a part of human society since the ancient Greeks began holding their very first shows in Athens. As the art form evolved, it quickly spread across the ancient world, particularly as Roman armies expanded their empire. Along with trade, they brought the innovations of Greek theater to new regions, cementing theater as an integral aspect of cultural exchange. More than 2,500 years later theater remains a fundamental aspect of cultural life and people are still finding new ways to explore and expand upon the art form.

Beverly Hillbillies production at Cambridge Community Theater with face masks / Photo by Desiré Correa

According to The New York Times, theaters of all sizes have seen declines in both ticket sales and donations since the pandemic. This trend is especially troubling for community theatres as they often rely on donations and ticket sales to maintain their operations.

During the height of the pandemic, the Community Theater in Cambridge implemented the use of clear face shields for the cast during performances, and regular face masks during rehearsals.

Tricia Wurzbach, a director and actor at the theater, shared that while the crew strictly followed CDC guidelines, the pandemic made it challenging to plan and rehearse shows. “There was people sometimes at practice, sometimes gone, sometimes [we] couldn’t have practice,” Wurzbach said.

Theater had to adapt to survive, and larger, for-profit theatwea found solutions by embracing digital streaming. During the height of the pandemic, they recorded productions in quarantined environments and sold access through pay-per-view streaming services. This allowed them to retain some revenue even without a live audience. However, community theaters, particularly non-profit ones, lacked the resources for such costly measures, putting them at greater risk.

While restrictions have long been removed, COVID-19 still impacts local productions.

“I’m in a show at Pritchard [Laughlin Civic Center] right now, we’re doing You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, and we’ve already had people miss because of COVID,” Wurzbach said. “We had two different actors out at one point. When you have one or two people missing in a small show, it’s really hard to practice.”

Despite these setbacks, community theaters are finding ways to navigate these challenges with creativity and determination.

Collaboration and Connections

For community theaters, collaborating and drawing in new audiences is important for their recovery after the pandemic.

“I think a lot of places are already kind of doing this, where they bring in people who aren’t necessarily from theater to draw in a new audience,” said Trinity Milliken, a director and actor with Cambridge Community Theater. “I just think it’s about getting theater to as many different people as possible, in as many different formats as possible.”

Community theater is not only about the art but also making a meaningful connection with the people it serves.

Despite the obstacles, community theaters have fought to stay afloat, finding creative ways to raise money and keep their productions alive. For the people running these theaters, the stakes are higher than ticket sales, they see theater as a vital community resource.

Photo submitted by Cambridge Performing Arts Centre

“Kids can really learn a lot of skills in theatre, like carpentry, electronics, and other things that aren’t just acting,” Milliken said. “It’s a community resource people don’t always think about.”

Beyond technical skills, community theaters provide a safe, welcoming environment where young people can discover their talents and find a supportive social network. “Especially for our youth, [it is] a place to that is safe, and you know [kids] can make friends and learn new skills",” Wurzbach said.

More than entertainment: The value of performing arts on local communities

Theater is not just about entertainment. It offers a space for creativity, education and connection. These are values that resonate in every corner of a community. As theaters continue to rebuild after the pandemic, the resilience of these small town theaters is a testament to their significance. They are places where people come together, where stories come to life, and where generations can learn the value of collaboration, expression and art.

 Though the challenges are great, community theaters will find ways to survive, adapt and thrive. As long as there are stories to tell, the show will go on.

For information about upcoming shows visit: https://www.cambridgetheater.org