The Phoenix Theatre Company is getting a new stage for a performance that COVID-19 can’t stop.
Theaters have been struggling to have audiences ever since the pandemic ruled out closed spaces. Theaters were one of the biggest industries hit hard by the virus and it was unsure if they would make it out alive.
The Phoenix Theatre Company had a better idea. Starting in November the company, located at 1825 N Central Ave. in the bustling streets of downtown Phoenix, will put their shows on an outside stage. This stage will be located a block away at the Central United Methodist Church, where it is under construction right now.
This will give room for 250 customers, where they can sit either in pairs or 6 feet apart from other patrons. This will give guests peace of mind if they are still nervous to return to theaters during the pandemic.
“It is our greatest wish to gather and share the experience of live theatre … whatever that looks like. We take our responsibility of keeping our patrons and artists’ safety seriously,” said Michael Bernard, producing artistic director of The Phoenix Theatre Company, in the theater’s press release on Sept. 25.
Karla Frederick, the director of production, explained that they had to reimagine the entire situation. There will be particular pathways that will never intersect, there will also be cleaning stations and mask requirements for everyone, including staff. Even the artists will be social distancing from the audiences.
The stage will be 32 feet by 24 feet, big enough to hold a full performance. Performances like Happy Birthday Dionne, which will be the first of many to appear on the outdoor stage on Tuesday, Nov. 10.
The theater company has factored in weather and will be giving opportunities to either refund or reschedule the show. The outside stage will exclusively be doing evening shows at 7 p.m. and will never have a double showing and will skip intermissions for their coronavirus strategy.
A performer, who asked to remain anonymous, has been in some of the company’s shows including High School Musical and Fun Home, and although they will not be taking part on the outside stage, they think this new stage is a great idea.
“I think it is excellent! They are being innovative and trying to come up with ways to continue the arts, which is much needed for the community,” they said.
They also expressed how the new stage could affect performing, “I think it will be different for sure, but I think they will make it work though, they have stayed open for 100 years after all.”
Back in March, The Phoenix Theatre Company stopped performances when the coronavirus hit. Making it the first time the theater has stopped shows in their 100-year history.
“COVID was a scary scary beast for the entertainment industry and for the live event industry as a whole because none of us knew when the end was in sight,” said Frederick.
Frederick expressed how thrilling this new add on is for the company. “We are blessed with having this opportunity to do an outdoor space as most people and most companies won’t have access to that.”
Shows on the outdoor stage will begin on Nov. 10. Tickets start at $59. See The Phoenix Theatre Company’s website for more details.
Contact the reporter at bnsteel1@asu.edu.
