Throughout 2020 and into 2021, performing arts have been dealt a blow from the ongoing pandemic, but the Lone Star College-University Park Department of Drama has taken the phrase “the show must go on” to heart. Building on the college’s reputation for innovative thinking, including novel techniques to ensure everyone’s safety, the department will give audiences a one-of-a-kind virtual production of “The Actor’s Nightmare,” opening Thursday, April 29, via Webex. 

Without a stage or live audience, William Grayson, LSC-University Park drama professor, knew he would have to get creative to provide his students an enriching learning experience online. The cast and crew have brought the play to life in unexpected ways; actors performed remotely and individually, and each piece is stitched together, actor by actor and scene by scene.

“It’s another production where we’re going into totally uncharted territory,” said Grayson. “I have seen others attempt a socially-distanced play with no audience; however, in that case, there’s still the risk of spreading the virus. I wanted to do this in the safest way possible, especially with student actors. It’s not live theatre, but it’s new and exciting.”

COVID-19 demanded a fresh way to bring the production together, and it gave students and faculty the opportunity to, once again, forge innovative solutions.

“Innovation is in LSC-University Park’s DNA,” said LSC-University Park President Dr. Shah Ardalan. “Our faculty and students are determined to continue creating and breaking new ground. COVID-19 has altered our daily lives, but it has not stopped our dedicated faculty from delivering incredible educational experiences.”

“The Actor’s Nightmare,” written by award-winning comedic playwright Christopher Durang, is a timeless play about the real phenomenon, the nightmare, that actors experience when they prepare to walk on stage in front of a live audience and cannot remember their lines.

Students auditioned with virtual cold-reads of the script in early February. The rehearsal and recording process, which concluded in late March, was conducted entirely online. Students and Grayson collaborated virtually on costuming, staging, set design, rehearsing and the technical aspects of recording. The play is now in the post-production phase in which Grayson and his students have pieced the individual scenes together to create a seamless work of art.

Grayson had assistance from Diego Medrano, an LSC-University Park student and part-time technical coordinator, who wrote and recorded original music for the production.

“The department adapted to push forward with shows that challenge those who wish to study drama in many fun ways,” said Medrano. “Even though ‘The Actor’s Nightmare’ was recorded online, it was full of opportunities to work in management, costume design, drawing, painting and video editing.”

Performances are open, virtually, of course, to students, faculty, staff and the community. Performances run Thursday, April 29, through Sunday, May 2. To access the links to this production and other visual and performing arts information, visit https://www.lonestar.edu/UP-Events.