The show must go on; theatre returns to Toronto despite 6th wave of COVID-19

Performers are worrying about more than just memorizing their lines as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted during the 6th wave of the pandemic. The live entertainment industry has faced adversity throughout the pandemic and continues to face challenges amidst it’s return. Head Over Heels marks the return of the X University Musical Theatre Company who, debuted their show on Wednesday night.

The company has been able to produce the show while prioritizing safety. Health and safety measures were in place including mandatory vaccination and masking policies for those in attendance. The show was also live streamed to allow people to watch from home with the pandemic in mind. “We wore masks throughout all of our rehearsals, including when we moved into the theatre, and we do tests before every show,” said Natalie Doherty, a cast member and RTA New Media student in a phone interview. She also noted the rehearsal process was shorter this year due to multiple lockdowns over the course of the school year.

Doherty added “I don’t know if there’s anythingI would’ve changed,” and said the rehearsal process wasn’t hindered. “It just made everything really different. Everyone was really understanding and there was no push back.”

The year has been filled with uncertainty for XMTC, said Doherty. After Ontario went back into lockdown in January “I wasn’t sure if we’d actually go back, I just assumed the show was done, we were very very lucky to get back to it after the two week lock down but nobody knew what would happen,” she added

XMTC isn’t the only company grappling with the effects of the pandemic, performer and concert producer Leisa Way shared her experience over email. “It’s been devastating… my band and I went from performing approximately 150 concerts in 2019, to performing only 6 concerts in 2020.” The band currently has a full summer season ahead, but Way is unsure if the shows will happen. “I just keep putting one foot in front of the other and moving forward, trying to stay optimistic”

According to the Canadian Association for the Performing Arts, “In 2019, the annual employment average for Performing arts, spectator sports and related industries was 148,700, the subsector was down to 98,700 jobs in January 2021. Promoters, presenters and independent artists, writers and performers experienced the most significant decrease.”

Way said her shows are still being affected by the pandemic despite restrictions being lifted. “In fact, it is because of the restrictions being lifted that live performance venues are encountering even more challenges.” She said the government has failed to consider the fragility of the industry when removing restrictions. “As a performer, it feels like our health and safety is not important. We must unmask to do our jobs, and while the virus is still surging, we shouldn’t have to choose between doing our job and being safe.”

Live entertainment holds an important place in many people’s lives marking a long awaited return. Before the performance of Head Over Heels, audience member Michelle Cabral said “I think live entertainment is good to help connect whoever’s performing with whoever’s in the audience, that’s why it’s so important.” Fellow audience member Moira Boucher shared in the sentiment adding “The theatre is just so much different than the movies because there’s an actual connection between the audience and the performers, there’s nothing quite like it and I’m so happy it’s back.

According to HUB International, most live music and sporting events are at full capacity with restrictions in place. This increase in activity will likely carry on through 2022, but things won’t be the same as they were prior to the pandemic. The viability of events will still be effected by COVID-19 ask it poses a risk towards artists, casts and crews.