UMTAD Newsletter: July 23, 2020
UMTAD 2020-21 Season Update
With the continued uncertainty owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, and taking cues from other performing arts organizations, the UMTAD leadership group has made the difficult decision to not produce ticketed public performances during the Fall Semester 2020. This decision was made out of an abundance of caution and concerns for the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff, and our audiences. Certainly, this news is disappointing, though given the circumstances, doubtful surprising. Although it will not be business as usual, we are committed to continue offering our students the richest experiences possible this fall. The challenges presented by the move to distance learning this past spring demonstrated that many in our community were able to creatively adapt to the situation and, in many cases, discovered quite effective interactions with students resulting in truly inspired work.
Given the health and safety concerns presented by the virus, coupled with increased awareness of societal systemic racism as a result of the murder of George Floyd, programs have
developed alternate plans for the fall in lieu of our traditional performance schedule. Following consultation with students, we have crafted these plans in ways to honor their needs.
Click here for the BA Theatre Arts detailed statement
Click here for the BFA Acting/Guthrie Theater detailed statement
Click here for our departmental statement, including the alternative plan for Dance
As uncertain as the realities of fall semester are at this point, spring semester is even less certain. Fully produced, ticketed performances for spring semester are a goal but not a promise. The BA would like to produce two spring productions (priority to Men on Boats). At present, Dance would present their Spring Concert, and the BFA would present their Senior production, but only if it’s possible for all members of our community to participate safely.
To promote physical distancing practices, all university spaces will have their capacities reduced by 75%, including production facilities. We will begin construction on scenery and costume designs for Men on Boats in the fall, but given the occupancy restrictions in the shops, it will be a prolonged process and may carry over into the spring.
Despite the uncertainty the future holds, one thing is clear: we are going to need to remain nimble and resourceful to quickly adapt to the ever-changing landscape presented by this virus and throughout this process we will be seeking input from our student community.
Sincerely,
University of Minnesota Theatre Arts & Dance Department
Departmental Statement in response to the Murder of George Floyd
On June 8th, 2020, UMTAD released a statement via email to our students, faculty and staff in response to the murder of George Floyd by members of the Minneapolis police department. On June 10th, the dance program individually released a similar statement. These departmental responses outline our understanding of our role in dismantling the systems of oppression present in the University and specifically within our department.
As a historically white institution, we must do more to provide an intersectional education and experience for all students, faculty and staff; an education that allows our white members to examine their own racist biases and work on disassembling anti-Blackness. We seek to create more welcoming spaces, educational practices, and inclusive productions for our BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) students, faculty and staff, and we will be discussing why that has not been our reality. We will be actively listening to our BIPOC community, uplifting their voices, and taking action to address injustice inside our own environment.
Read our full statements in support of Black Lives Matter here and here.
We invite our UMTAD family to support and donate to Black-led arts organizations in the Twin Cities. A community-sourced list of these can be found here and here.
In Memoriam
With heavy hearts, we share news of the passing of two longtime UMTAD community members, Sherry Wagner-Henry and David Bernstein. Many were touched by their remarkable generosity and spirits. Sending love to their families and all who mourn them.
Sherry Wagner-Henry was a fierce believer in the power of the arts to create strong communities and in education to shape capable and compassionate leadership. Since the early 90's, she served as UMTAD's Managing Director and devoted an incredible amount of time to promoting the department's 'Centennial Showboat' with her husband, Mickey, a former technical director for the department. Due to her sudden passing in late May, an arts administration scholarship is being established in Sherry’s name through USITT. The scholarship will provide internship and professional development opportunities for students pursuing careers in arts administration. Donate to the scholarship here and write "in memory of Sherry Wagner-Henry." Visit and contribute stories and photos of Sherry here.
David Bernstein was a dedicated member of the UMTAD community for a number of years as a grant writer and representative on the University Senate. Also a teacher, actor, director, and producer - he founded and built a number of theaters in Michigan, such as the Attic Theater in Detroit and The Performance Network of Ann Arbor. He was a life-long activist in support of workers, especially at the University of Minnesota, and for the joy of solidarity with others, most recently as a volunteer with the Long Island City Boathouse. David passed away from COVID-19 in early May and he loved his sons, family and friends very much. David's legacy page can be found here.
Minnesota Fringe Virtual Festival
Tune into the first MINNESOTA FRINGE VIRTUAL FESTIVAL July 30-August 9! There are two ways to participate in the Virtual Festival: Nightly Fringe and the Digital Hub.
Nightly Fringe takes place every evening during the festival. These performances, featuring local artists and Fringe favorites, are live and FREE to attend online. The Nightly Fringe schedule is live on the Fringe website!
The Digital Hub includes a listing of live and pre-recorded shows that are only accessible if you have purchased a Fringe Button and are logged into the Fringe website. The Digital Hub will be available for perusal during the Virtual Festival, July 30 - August 9. Some shows will be free with a purchased Button, some require an additional ticket purchase, some are pay-what-you-can.
Click here for the 2020 VIRTUAL FESTIVAL ARTIST LINEUP
ARTISTS: There is still time to register your show into the Digital Hub! Check out the Virtual Festival information page for more details.
BUY A BUTTON, SAVE THE FRINGE!
The Fringe needs YOU! With Minnesota Fringe’s very survival at risk, your generosity is essential to their preservation. Purchase a Fringe Button and you'll have unfettered access to the Digital Hub in the very first Minnesota Fringe Virtual Festival. Help MN Fringe reach their $100,000 goal and ensure their future by donating here today.
Creative Outlets & Resources
It is our priority to continue to assist and inspire students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members throughout the COVID-19 pandemic by providing both opportunities to access and engage with the arts, and by providing resources that are unique to those in the creative sector. Check out our compiled list of creative resources.
Take a look at spring semester's virtual student art.
Have an idea for a submission? Email theatre@umn.edu.
COVID-19 Headquarters
University of Minnesota Safe Campus
Please visit the Safe Campus website for University-wide news, resources for teaching and learning via alternative instruction, and archives of University system-wide messages.
College of Liberal Arts Neighborhood
Please visit the CLA Neighborhood for CLA-specific updates, info on the CLA COVID-19 Ad Hoc Committee, and archives of messages from Dean Coleman and the College of Liberal Arts.
