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My name is Gary Zidek. Welcome to The Arts Section. Tune into the radio program every Sunday morning on WDCB 90.9 & 90.7 FM or listen to it online here. I'll be showcasing a variety of arts & entertainment stories.

A Chicago Theater Company Innovates, Keeps Show Going Virtually

A Chicago Theater Company Innovates, Keeps Show Going Virtually

WDCB’s Gary Zidek talks to Theater Wit artistic director Jeremy Wechsler about the theater company’s innovative pivot to remote viewing as a result of social distancing mandates.

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Theater Wit Innovates In Face of Crisis
Gary Zidek

“We had a number of theaters who had planned a show, rehearsed a show, built the show, installed the show, and then had to close the show without opening. This is a substantial financial blow, if this happened to Theater Wit … we possibly would have gone under within a month.” - Theater Wit artistic director Jeremy Wechsler talking about the impact the COVID-19 pandemic is having on the local theatre community.

Jeremy Wechsler, artistic director Theater Wit

Jeremy Wechsler, artistic director Theater Wit

The global coronavirus pandemic has impacted virtually every aspect of life as we know it. The public health emergency is confronting many arts organizations with some serious economic challenges. Hoping to avoid a disastrous outcome, Theater Wit embraced technology to create an innovative short-term solution.

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Most Chicago-area theater companies were forced to close or suspend productions when state government mandated social distancing requirements. Knowing audiences wouldn’t be able to come to the theater to see its newest production TEENAGE DICK, Theater Wit artistic director Jeremy Wechsler pivoted to a plan that involved streaming the play to ticket-holders at home.

MacGregor Arney plays Richard and Courtney Rikki Green plays Anne in Theater Wit’s TEENAGE DICK Photo credit: Charles Osgood

MacGregor Arney plays Richard and Courtney Rikki Green plays Anne in Theater Wit’s TEENAGE DICK Photo credit: Charles Osgood

From Theater Wit:

Here’s how it works: Patrons pick a “remote view” date and time from Theater Wit’s performance calendar, same as always. But instead of going out to the theater, they can watch Teenage Dick on their computer, tablet, phone or smart TV from the comfort and safety of their own home.

Ten minutes before the show begins, each remote viewer will receive an email with a private URL and password to watch the opening night performance on a private Vimeo stream. There are only 98 viewing streams available for every performance. The show will be videotaped on two cameras to capture close-ups and full coverage of the staging.

At the end of every performance, the video will conclude and no longer be accessible. If you miss your streaming date and time, you can contact Wit’s box office to be vouchered into an open future slot.

Additionally, at the end of every performance, remote viewers are invited to join the cast and the stream’s fellow audience members for a  live post-show discussion over video conference in Theater Wit’s virtual lobby .

Screen grab from Theater Wit post-show online chat

Screen grab from Theater Wit post-show online chat

Theater Wit is presenting its latest production TEENAGE DICK virtually You can find more information about upcoming performances at theaterwit.org

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