When COVID-19 and regulations to go with it ensued, Blue Ridge Community Theater (BRCT) abandoned their idea of a Black Box theatre performance.
In fact, they had just began converting its old rehearsal hall into a Black Box theatre when COVID-19 hit.
Black Box theatre involves a smaller scale production with little to no set in a completely black space.
While BRCT planned their debut Black Box theatre performance of Edgar Lee Master’s Spoon River Anthology for September, they realized the small space would no longer be feasible.
“The original plan to have four actors play several different parts in different make up and costumes was no longer viable as both players and audience would have been together in the new, smaller space,” Black Box Committee Chairman and Assistant Director Hope Burns said.
In turn, Director Michael Berkman and Artistic Committee Chair Michael Lacy shifted plans to a digital film version, Burns said.
The actors appeared individually in front of a green screen with the sound and camera operated from a six to 10 foot distance.
In lieu of the theater’s 20th anniversary, Burns suggested that every actor to ever appear on stage at the BRCT be contacted to appear in the movie.
Over 40 veterans of the theater’s twenty year history participated.
The project took three months from June to September, and auditions and rehearsals took place via Zoom. Filming took place each weekend.
Musical Director Claudia Bradford included several original compositions in the film.
“The team could not have been better equipped to make the shift to filming as Michael Berkman has directed Spoon River on several occasions and has had extensive theatrical training and experience including film and editing,” Burns said.
Additionally, Burns has produced television and Bradford has been composing for many years, Burns said.
This coming weekend, October 8 through 11, theatre lovers will have the opportunity to watch the film as it will be shown at BRCT.
Seating is limited, so be sure to contact the box office at 706-632-9191 to secure a spot.
Fogging with disinfectant, the taking of temperatures and the wearing of masks will be observed.