How will the Springer re-open during COVID-19? A look at theater’s progress during closure
A year after basement flooding caused more than $2 million in damage to its infrastructure, the Springer Opera House was hit with the unique challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic.
As it approaches its 150th anniversary in 2021, the Springer is among the many theaters and performance venues devising plans to stage live performances in a time of social distancing.
“This organization, this building, got started nearly 150 years ago as a place where hundreds of people come together as a community into the room and sit there together and have an experience with live theater together,” said Paul Pierce, producing artistic director at the Springer Opera House. “And if we can’t do that we’re not exactly a theater.”
Pierce said being a theater manager during a time when people can’t come together for a communal experience is new for him.
When the Springer’s basement flooded in 2019, damaging critical equipment and electrical systems, Pierce said they they were still able to produce shows for audiences. The Springer moved its production of “Evita” to Columbus State University’s Riverside Complex in March 2019 and produced “101 Dalmations” and “Driving Miss Daisy” in their McClure Theatre, followed by “Million Dollar Quartet” in Emily Woodruff Hall.
The Springer made the decision this March to cancel all remaining performances and programs in their current season (through May 2020). These cancellations included “Singin’ in the Rain,” ”Morningside,” “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom,” “Matilda, the Broadway Musical,” and a summer production of “Curious George.”
“There’s a part of us that believes that we will not only survive this but we will come out on the other end a bigger, stronger, more agile theater,” said Pierce.
How will theater reopen?
The Springer Opera House staff has tapped into their improvisation skills and creativity to navigate the constantly changing environment created by the ongoing pandemic.
Pierce said they’ve been busy making plans to welcome audiences back for live performances this fall.
“Our plan is to reopen in the fall, the third week of September, just as we have for many, many years. And so the challenge is how can we protect our employees, our artists, and the patrons so that they can relax and enjoy themselves and just have fun at the show,” he said.
They’re also figuring out how to safely seat patrons in the era of social distancing.
“We are in the process of making plans for next season and how we’re going to seat everyone and do that safely,” said Danielle Patterson Varner, the Springer’s managing director. “Our number one priority is the safety of our staff, our artists and our patrons.”
Pierce said that means they’ll simply sell fewer seats to shows.
“One thing that we are sure of is that our seating capacity will be smaller and more spread out in the theaters, both in Emily Woodruff Hall and here in the Dorothy McClure Theatre,” Pierce said.
Pierce said producing theater is an expensive and complex enterprise, and the smaller shows they produce “don’t carry the weight of the budget.”
“If all we had to do was to pay a few actors and entertain a small crowd, that model would work. But about 73% of the revenue that the Springer brings in is earned income that goes to protecting this big, 135,000 square foot fragile, precious and very rare national historic landmark, so this machine is built for big crowds having lots of fun together.”
What’s been happening during closure?
Staffers have remained busy during the closure. Some have sewn masks in the scene shop for Piedmont Columbus Regional Hospital. Others have done needed building maintenance.
“Since we’re not doing shows right now we sort of asked ourselves what can we get done that needs to get done,” said Rebecca Gossett, production stage manager at the Springer. “About half of the production staff is working on building maintenance, and painting, and cleaning, and doing a lot of things to upkeep the building.”
Gossett is part of the team organizing the Springer’s archives inside the Glesca Marshall Library. It’s kept her busy, and given her insight into the critical role the community has played in the theater’s success.
“It’s very comforting to see all of the things the Springer has gone through over the years, and to see how the support of the community and the love that people have for this place has kept it alive,” Gossett said.
Moving online
The pandemic has caused the cancellation of the popular Springer Theatre Academy program, which draws hundreds of students each summer.
Sally Baker, director of education at the Springer, said they decided to cancel in-person academy classes this summer to make sure everybody stays healthy and safe.
“We’re all mourning not being together this summer but I think the silver lining in that is, at least for me, it has really taught me how much I’ve come to depend on those relationships with families, and students, and watching them grow over the years. So, I think it makes my anticipation of being with them that much sweeter,” Baker said.
Baker added they have been creating online lessons from some of the Academy’s favorite instructors:“Some of this content students wouldn’t get until they’re in college or graduate school, so the content is strong, and it’s salient, and it’s applicable and relevant.”
Pierce said the Springer has decided to put a greater focus on local and area talent in the upcoming season.
“We’ve always kept local actors on our stages, including in leading, supporting and ensemble roles but one of the things we can do this year is to put a spotlight on local talent and allow people to be safer in rehearsal and in performance,” Pierce said.
The pandemic has also changed the audition process for the 2020-2021 season. The Springer usually has in-person auditions in May for the upcoming season. These auditions were typically attended by a mix of local amateurs and professionals from afar. This year, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Springer’s audition process is virtual, with actors asked to submit their audition via video and apply online.
For those interested in being cast for a musical and don’t a dance reel or substantial dance background, Springer guest directors Keith McCoy and Shane Hall have created dance combinations that actor-dancers can rehearse, record and then submit.
This story was originally published June 8, 2020 at 7:00 AM.
