Because of COVID-19, the Belfry club developed a new way to rehearse while maintaining a safe environment for all club members. They have decided to hold virtual rehearsals before their upcoming December play, where they will be performing ‘The Internet is Distract–OH LOOK A KITTEN’ by Ian McWethy.
Belfry Co-President, senior Rachel Roth ‘21 spoke about the virtual rehearsals saying: “it was really interesting to navigate through this” while Co-President Maeve Diver ‘21 said, “we’re all living in a time where we’re entering the unknown, and we have to work around it”. Ninth grade student Madison Quinter ‘23 explained she “enjoys the virtual meetings and can’t wait to perform the play.”
The pandemic has caused Belfry to lose a little bit of what is such a huge part in their everyday lives. The Zoom format is not their most ideal way to practice, since many of the actors’ lines overlap and it is difficult for multiple people to speak at a time. Nevertheless, Maeve commented: “it’s been an interesting ride… but along with making new art [Belfry] now incorporates the whole creativity part of what goes on in the show with this new world of technology”. Rachel added: “what Maeve and I have been trying to do as Presidents is to really build hope within our cast and try to get us on the same page about where we’re going as artists and performers”.
The pandemic and quarantine have set Belfry back in terms of trying to figure out the plan for this year, but it has also allowed them to be more creative. Maeve said, “it’s definitely tested my creativity because it’s a challenge, but it’s also a time for you to kind of figure out and make your own art.” The Club has also given the cast the opportunity to work on their own projects and use their individual talent to discover something new. Club members hope that keeping the spirit of the club alive virtually will benefit everyone’s mental health.
To continue opening up new experiences to the club members, Belfry has decided to do an outdoor performance in May or June. This will be a new experience for all members and they can not wait to try it out. Rachel said, “[Outdoor performances] are so life changing. Being one with nature, we are all on the same level, which sets a unique atmosphere”. Belfry is making changes to the way they perform, and an outdoor performance gives them a chance to showcase their amazing talent and creativity.
Belfry’s members and leaders are figuring out new ways to put on amazing shows, which will surely be something special to look forward to later in the year.
