PURSUING PASSION DURING A PANDEMIC Ben Cudmore spreads the joy of theater in these unprecedented times ARNAV GUPTA ONLINE NEWS EDITOR | ANDREW CHRISTOFFERSON REPORTER
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s COVID-19 runs rampant, it has become increasingly difficult to pursue one’s passion. Everything has changed, especially the live entertainment industry. It seemed like it would be impossible for live entertainment to come back during the pandemic, but senior Ben Cudmore found a way to return to the stage sooner than expected. Cudmore has done theater for six years and has participated in 20 shows, and he was determined to not let COVID-19 stop him. While it seemed impossible to do theater, at Alden Theatre’s “drive-thru dramas” and the City of Fairfax Theatre Company, Cudmore was able to keep performing. At Alden’s drive-thru dramas, audience members simply drive from scene to scene from a safe distance of six feet and watch actors, with face shields on, recreate magical performances. At the City of Fairfax Theatre 32 | A&E | OCTOBER
Company, audience members sit in the Fairfax Veteran’s Amphitheater, which has designated 10-by-10-foot squares marked on the ground that are each 10 feet apart, ensuring that both the actors and the audience members are safe and socially distanced. “Actors stood six feet away and performed their scenes to [the audience],” Cudmore said. “Actors also remained six feet apart, did not share props and brought in their own costumes.” Cudmore describes acting with a face shield as strange and difficult, but he fought through the discomfort to ensure safety. “Though they may be a nuisance to wear, once you are in the world of the show, you don’t notice them,” Cudmore said. Cudmore’s resilient attitude toward this difficult situation rubbed off on his castmates. He and his team bonded over
a series of successful, pandemic-friendly productions throughout the summer, including A Midsummer Night’s Dream and two drive-thru dramas. “He’s got the talent, the work ethic and the attitude that I can really work well with,” Cudmore’s friend and castmate Jack Abba said. A concern with participating in theater during the pandemic is taking the necessary precautions while also providing the same level of theatrical performance. “The precautions taken were very helpful,” Cudmore said. “No one was diagnosed with COVID-19 and the productions were handled very thoroughly.” Cudmore’s mother, Heather Waulet, felt confident in his ability to come home safe and healthy. “At no time was I concerned for Ben’s safety or the safety of the audience,” Photos courtesy of Ben Cudmore
