During the Covid-19 Pandemic, many theatres have had to close their doors for months. The stage, costumes, and props are left to collect dust, as no actors are there to put them to use. The building stays dark, because no audiences are there to watch the performance. There is no one running around backstage to get in position before their cue. For anyone who loves the performing arts, a quiet theatre is a strange sight. When school started back up, however, the Fruita Monument Auditorium became anything but silent, thanks to the Drama Club. 

Since the beginning of this year, Drama Club has been meeting and working to continue having fun while staying safe. The club, so far, has been playing improv games, watching movies and trying to build teamwork. This is largely because they cannot put on a full-scale play. The auditorium is small and with social distancing, the space would be even more limited. Acting also requires speaking loudly and showing facial expressions, both of which are difficult with masks. 

While they cannot put on a production, they still want to stay together. Christian Herring, the theatre teacher and sponsor for the club, stated “Drama Club is as much about family as it is about shows.”

Although, they are looking into putting on a small piece, which they can record and show friends and family. The play is called “I Don’t Want to Talk About It” and consists largely of multiple monologues that are about teen-angst. While they hope to put the performance together, the possibility of changes in health and safety guidelines or shutting down remains a possibility. Still, they are choosing to cautiously push forward.

However, the production will be small-scale compared to those in the past. The stage manager, Isabelle Basham stated “I’m kind of hoping for a spring show, but we won’t really know until December.” She still urged anyone who was interested to come to the auditorium and see if they were interested in joining, since they are having fun anyway. Even if someone doesn’t want to act, the stage crew could always use more members to help behind the scenes. 

McKenna LaBelle, Vice President of the club, is still confident in the club’s ability to stay strong, even though it is under such pressure. “We’re going to get through it, because Drama Club is so much stronger than what is going on right now.” She urged that any other clubs or people who are struggling with the new changes in their lives try to stay positive and stay together. 

In this pandemic, plenty of groups are working to find safe ways to chase their passions and at Fruita Monument, many clubs are trying to find new ways to go about their lives. Drama Club is one of the many to find a unique solution to a unique problem that we are facing.