UMTAD Newsletter: March 30, 2020

Message from the Chair

Dear UMTAD Community,

To describe what the Department of Theatre Art and Dance has gone through over the past two weeks as surreal is a massive understatement.  Frankly, all of the frequently uttered phrases used to describe this crisis, from “unprecedented” to “uncharted waters” seem inadequate to truly describe the enormous impact the COVID-19 outbreak has, and will continue to have on our department in the future.

On March 7th, as we wrapped up our performances of 'The Skriker' and parted ways for spring break, all things seemed normal. Dance students were preparing to attend and participate in ACDA (American College Dance Association) Conference and Theatre Design/Tech students were gearing up for the annual USITT Conference (United States Institute of Theatre Technology). UMN/Guthrie BFA Acting Students were well into the rehearsal process for a number of upcoming productions: 'The Merchant of Venice', 'Moliere One Acts', 'Fresh Scenes', and the Senior production of 'The Caucasian Chalk Circle', translation by Alistair Beaton, set to open in April in the Dowling Studio of the Guthrie Theater. In addition to the work on the scenic design of Chalk Circle. The UMTAD professional scene shop was also on the verge of loading in the scenery for the next production at Penumbra Theatre Company. Likewise, faculty were fully engaged in a wide array of research including scholarly research and travel to performance research including direction, choreography, performance, and design/tech in both local and national theaters. 

By Wednesday, March 11th, everything changed, the University announced a plan to restrict in person classes and shift to distance learning until April 1st.  Just two days later, President Gabel announced that all public events through the rest of the semester were either being postponed, or canceled including all commencement ceremonies. This was a devastating blow to the entire department, but we recognize that this is a reality everyone in the world is experiencing.The last two weeks have been a whirlwind as the faculty, staff, and students leapt to action to quickly adapt all coursework to distance learning models. While already a challenge for all instructors, this was no small feat for performance, dance, and hands-on design/tech courses. I am still marveling at the ingenuity, generosity of spirit, and good humor of everyone who rose to the challenge to maintain the education of our students.  

A particular highlight of the past two weeks was the Quarantine Bake Off playwriting contest which was started by three of our UMN/Guthrie BFA Acting students. Their small project created during spring break, grew to an international success and included an online reading of a number of entries last week. BFA Program Director, Aaron Todd Douglas, stated it best: “..the Quarantine Bake Off was a resounding success regardless of any technical difficulties. It was a beautiful piece of artistic community building that included BFA and BA students, UMTAD Alumni, UMTAD faculty and staff, past and present. It defied geographic limitations and surmounted shelter in place orders.” This is just one example of the ingenuity and tenacity of our students who are dealing with the impacts of this crisis and there certainly will be many more to come.

Words fail me to adequately express how proud I am of this department and all the selfless efforts I’ve witnessed in the past two weeks.  I especially want to express gratitude to Department Administrator Millie Reid Rivera who has tirelessly worked day and night to keep the department on track despite the ever-changing landscape. Millie is a force to be reckoned with and we are all in her debt.

There are many more challenges facing us in the days to come, and it is uncertain when we can expect a return to anything that resembles normalcy, but I am confident that we will make it through these challenging times together, even if we are separated by physical distance.  

Wishing you all remain safe and well.

Sincerely,

Mathew J. LeFebvre
Chair, Department of Theatre Arts and Dance

Creative Outlets & Resources

It is our priority to continue to assist and inspire students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members by providing both opportunities to access/engage with the arts, and by providing resources that are unique to artists, or those in the creative sector. Students will continue with the remainder of their spring semester through alternative instruction; these opportunities are not created as a replacement for any education, and are supplemental in nature. View here or follow us on Facebook. 

Get Counted in the 2020 Census

Q: Does the University count me?
A: If you were originally scheduled to live on campus for Spring 2020, you've been counted! Otherwise, you need to complete the census yourself. 

Q: What if my location has changed due to COVID-19?
A: You should respond to the census,as if you were not displaced by COVID-19.

Q: How long does it take?
A: Approximately the length of ordering lunch. 

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