ARTS SPOTLIGHT

Dance students rehearsed in specially marked, socially-distant spaces, as other dancers joined via livestream or watched recordings

This photo resembles classic darkroom results, but was taken and developed using digital means

ARTS

The lights may be out on Broadway, but they shine brightly at Madeira

This fall the Arts Department stretched their creativity to bring the visual and performing arts to distance and hybrid learning environments. Classes and activities were re-designed using new platforms and technology to connect with students and keep the arts alive. Madeira was able to stage a live, in-person show when most theaters across the country were shut down! Arts Department Chair Sasha Newman noted, “After a few Mods of distance and hybrid learning, we got more flexible and creative, challenged ourselves to think outside the box, and made music, art, theater, and dance happen in new ways. Teachers and students alike have learned so much through this new format.”

DANCE DID NOT MISS A BEAT In the dance program, classes were livestreamed via Microsoft Teams to students with the instructors in the studio—dancing together in real time. Lessons were recorded for students in different time zones to watch and dance along with later. The hybrid learning environment didn’t stop the program from performing either, as students recorded themselves and videos were compiled to create a unique collaboration on the screen. Parents and students viewed this performance as part of the “Arts Showcase” presented at Back to School Night.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO STAGE A SHOW DURING A PANDEMIC? For the theater program, hybrid learning offered students in the fall play the chance to learn a variety of new techniques and dive deeper into specific aspects of acting. During pre-season, students submitted video auditions with a focus on building two contrasting characters. Rehearsals began virtually, honing characterization and establishing motivation. Once back onstage, the students adapted quickly to socially distanced blocking and began expanding

the physical lives of their characters to portray emotion while wearing masks. To create safer physical distancing for the show, the set designers incorporated picture frames to establish individual boxes and areas where actors could safely stand or sit. These frames not only provided physical barriers for the actors to stay separated, but also offered a way for the “Gossip” characters to spy on the scenes in front of them. The frames became part of the room as a painting, and sprung to life as a vehicle to comment on a character’s choices. After just three weeks of in-person rehearsal the students performed Sense & Sensibility by Jane Austen live and via livestream!

NEW TECHNOLOGIES HELP VISUAL ARTS In the visual arts, virtual darkroom photography gave students the experience of learning and implementing the basics of 35mm film photography through a digital medium. Incorporating digital camera apps, such as Gudak and Huji, students were able to simulate the experience of shooting a roll of film and waiting to “process” their images. The apps mimicked a challenge of 35mm processing, where students had to troubleshoot the production of their images and the meaning behind them well before seeing a final picture develop. Students also learned to use a virtual gallery as a forum to view and critique others’ artwork.

Invigorated by the creativity that flowed from recent challenges, Ms. Newman concluded, “We will continue to grow no matter what hurdles face us. That’s what keeps the arts at Madeira thriving.”

Picture frames were designed into the set to establish individual areas where actors could safely perform; masks became part of the costumes Madeira was one of the only area schools to stage live theater this fall