As the COVID-19 crisis continues into this Fall, the Furman Theatre department is getting creative in order to host auditions and stage performances for the Fall 2020 Main Stage Season.

While the allure of live theatre for both actors and audience members is undoubtedly its “live” aspect, Furman’s safety measures, including social-distancing and mask-wearing, obstruct this appeal and even hinder the ability for theatres to hold traditional auditions and rehearsals. Still, the Furman Theatre department plans on circumventing these obstacles by hosting virtual auditions for their two plays this season: Love and Information, written by Caryl Churchill and directed by Maegan Azar, and Spoon River Anthology, written by Charles Aidman and directed by Rhett Bryson.

Virtual auditions for the Main Stage Season will be held on August 24 and 25. Students must complete an online audition and crew form in order to receive the Zoom link, and directors will accept video submissions if students are unable to attend live auditions. For Love and Information, roles will be available for both in-person and virtual performances, allowing stay-at-home and on-campus students alike the opportunity to participate in the production. The play itself will include outdoor in-person work, as well as multimedia presentations. Details for how the production of the Spoon River Anthology will work through pandemic-related safety measures are yet to be divulged.

Despite the challenges Furman Theatre’s faculty and students face this semester, it is encouraging to see the ways in which they are still trying to cultivate their talents and passions by bringing art to our community in creative new ways. For interest or inquiries regarding auditioning for this season’s Love and Information or Spoon River Anthology, students can email Furman University Theatre Arts Chair Maegan Azar, or Rhett Bryson, respectively.