By Mariah Snyder
MICHIGAN- COVID-19 has turned everyone’s world upside down. For two years, gatherings have been unsafe to resume. Entertainment venues have not been able to provide performances safely. Many performance venues attempted to create a virtual entertainment experience, but virtual entertainment is not our future.
Arts performances by the Delta College choir and the Temple Theatre have been severely impacted by COVID-19. Both programs were instructed to close down their facilities for most of 2020 and 2021.
The Delta College choir has been unable to perform and practice safely since the beginning of the pandemic. The choir has lost many members due to students feeling unsafe, low enrollment, and virtual learning.
“There just haven’t been any students enrolled in face-to-face classes,” said Choir Program Coordinator Dr. Timothy Hendrickson, “As disappointing as it is, running a virtual choir is just not possible.” As restrictions lift, Hendrickson has been eager to rebuild the choir program for 2022. He plans to spread the word about the Delta College choir program to gain members for next year’s performances.
The Temple Theatre, too, has struggled to stay connected to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Like the Delta College Choir, the Temple Theatre cannot provide an adequate virtual experience. Performances are difficult to present online, and the Temple Theatre is working diligently to create a safe space for the community to enjoy performances soon.
Entertainment may not be essential, but performances at the Temple Theatre, for example, are imperative for our community to thrive. “The economic impact that the art culture has is vital.” Said the Temple Theatre Marketing and Creativity Manager, Thor Rasmussen, “When we host a show, that means we’re employing front and back of house staff. It also means there are people going out to eat and staying at hotels, employing our community.”
The entertainment industry has struggled during the COVID-19 pandemic. As restrictions are lifted, Delta College and the Temple Theatre plan to reinvent the performance experience with safety as their number one priority.
