Bringing back live entertainment

For an industry accustomed to the phrase, “the show must go on,” closing the theaters was no easy task

The theater is a place for people of all ages and backgrounds to come together and celebrate live art. No one can tell what the future holds, but there is one thing I am sure of: The theater is no place for fear. So, we will reopen when it is safe to do so.

We are considering the measures we can take to ensure to the best of our ability the health and wellness of each person who enters — such as gloves worn by employees, stricter cleaning measures and monitoring the food and products entering the facility. We are operating with one thing in mind: fluidity. We’re rewriting the script on procedures every single day.

One way we have adapted is by presenting more virtual events. We’ve expanded online content by hosting performances, Q&As, talks and our DBR Lab with Dr. Daniel Bernard Roumain. We can’t wait until we can swing open the doors. Until then, we are working to stay safe and healthy for our communities, our loved ones and ourselves. It is imperative to prioritize health and wellness — right now and every day.

We have even had Arizona natives and current Broadway stars Krystina Alabado, Sam Primack and Casey Likes join us to share their wisdom, tips and tricks.

These online events allow us to share the work of local artists with community members in new ways. Artists are working over video calls and writers are thinking of pieces that would be appropriate over digital platforms. They are still enduring the creative process together, and ASU Gammage is doing just the same.

The format of shows is constantly being reimagined. I have talked to producers and creatives about ideas that they have brewing, and I can’t wait to see the final products. There will be shows inspired by this challenging time — some funny, some sad, some heartfelt — that will allow us to reflect. ASU Gammage has joined that conversation. From drive-in theatrical performances to music concerts in Sun Devil Stadium, nothing is off the table. All ideas are being considered.

We’re not part of the first phase of reopening, and that is OK. There is no “if” about reopening, but a matter of “when.”

We can’t wait until we can swing open the doors. Until then, we are working to stay safe and healthy for ourselves, our loved ones and our community. It is imperative to prioritize health and wellness — right now and every day. I know I speak for myself and our staff when I say we look forward to seeing many familiar and new faces at ASU Gammage.

Watch live online performances at ASU Gammage Digital Connections asugammage.com/digitalconnections

Colleen Jennings-Roggensack has been presenting the performing arts for 35 years. She is executive director of ASU Gammage and ASU vice president for Cultural Affairs. She previously served on the National Council on the Arts.