Penn State’s Performing Arts Organizations vs the Pandemic

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.- There has been a surge of COVID-19 among Penn State’s Campus within the Spring semester. Class might be in session, but other aspects of the university are starting to crumble…

In organizations that involve singing or movement, standard COVID-19 protocols do not apply and are not as feasible… Because of this, a rule to either double mask or wear a KN95 while singing was put into place. This rule is leaving students in these organizations at a loss…

“I completely understand remaining cautious, but the new rules being put into place make singing hard… Breath support and vocal placement have not been easy, but the rules make sense to keep everybody safe,” Kiley Vollmer (junior-music education) and member of CODA Conduct said.

Vollmer also elaborated on how the pandemic has affected other aspects of her college experiences, but not as severely as her acapella experience.

Acapella groups are currently holding auditions and callbacks. The rules in place have affected how they are being run in comparison to years passed, but the process must go on. Rehearsals and performances for these groups have also been in full swing.

“Finding gigs and holding rehearsals have been a bit difficult this semester, but our group has remained positive and as safe as possible,” Alex Pack, the President of CODA Conduct said.

This is Alex’s second year as the president of CODA. Pack mentioned how last year leading in a virtual setting was difficult.

“While there have been challenges this past semester, I am just grateful we are in-person and get to be a family again,” Pack said.

The acapella community has not been the only organizations hit hard by the pandemic… Organizations like No Refund Theatre and the Thespian Society have also had to adjust the way they go about their show rehearsals.

Muggs Leone (sophomore-psychology) was the director of No Refund Theatre’s production of “The Audition Nightmare” and had to adapt to complications caused by COVID-19.

“One of our leads contracted COVID a couple of days before our first performance,” Leone said. Leone took on the challenge of stepping in and playing the role. But, this was not the only complication. “We had to cancel our first night of the show because a cast member had symptoms. They ended up testing negative and the performance went on, but doing a show during these times is rough.”

Becca Leftkowitz (senior- psychology) a member of No Refund Theatre also reflected on the importance of safety in the club.

“I test constantly to keep our club safe. The end goal is to perform a show while keeping everyone involved healthy.”

The Thespian Society has also had similar struggles and is taking all necessary precautions to keep members safe.

Julie Byrne (senior-secondary education), the President of the Thespian Society spoke on how the club has been handling the pandemic and rules. Byrne said that within thespian productions and meetings, members have been following all guidelines needed to remain safe.

“We are encouraging members to get tested regularly and stay home if they feel any symptoms. Our members’ health matters and always will come first.”

These performing arts clubs will continue to follow protocol until it is deemed safe to change their ways…