Ben Cudmore acts in socially distanced plays

PURSUING PASSION DURING A PANDEMIC Ben Cudmore spreads the joy of theater in these unprecedented times

ARNAV GUPTA ONLINE NEWS EDITOR | ANDREW CHRISTOFFERSON REPORTER

As 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 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,”

I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN DRAWN TO THEATER—IT’S AN AMAZING COMMUNITY FULL OF CREATIVE AND BRIGHT INDIVIDUALS. THESE PRODUCTIONS EXEMPLIFY THE STEPS AND UNIQUE PROBLEM SOLVING PEOPLE IN THE ACTING WORLD HAVE TAKEN TO BRING THEATER BACK TO OUR COMMUNITIES.”

- BEN CUDMORE SENIOR

Waulet said. “The prospect of a summer without theater was a sad one, so we were thankful that he found these live theater opportunities.”

Cudmore’s commitment to the art of theater was able to shine in spite of the restrictions.

“Ben was just as entertaining with the face shield as without. It didn’t hinder his abilities at all,” Abba said.

Cudmore’s love of theater began at a young age; he was fascinated by plays and acting.

“I have always been drawn to theater—it’s an amazing community full of creative and bright individuals,” Cudmore said.

Waulet recalls a pivotal moment for her son at school.

“Mr. Enos’ freshman assignment of videoing scenes from Romeo and Juliet may have cemented his love for performing Shakespeare,” Waulet said.

Cudmore’s exposure to Shakespeare also led him to start writing plays, which not only fell into the hands of McLean’s theater program, but were also noticed by other professional actors.

“He even had a show performed by professional actors as well as short plays he [wrote] for TheatreMcLean’s spring Sketchfest,” Waulet said.

When faced with the deadliest pandemic in a century, Cudmore found a way to pursue his passion. As he reflects on the sudden and drastic changes theater underwent this summer, Cudmore sees how theater viewership and performance may be altered forever.

“These productions exemplify the steps and unique problem solving people in the acting world have taken to bring theater back to our communities,” Cudmore said. “We have truly entered a new age of theater and entertainment.”

CONCEALING CHARISMA — Ben Cudmore poses as Demetrius in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, incorporating his protective face shield into his costume. OCTOBER | A&E | 33