Smithies are known for being students who get involved. From academic work, to community service, to participating in extracurricular clubs and organizations, a Smithie’s schedule fills up quickly. Just like our academic experience has shifted to the virtual classroom, Smithie-run student organizations have spent the past year grappling with similar questions of how to stay afloat in our new reality. This is the first part of an ongoing series highlighting student-run clubs and organizations.
Founded two years ago, Smith’s resident Shakespeare Company was officially chartered last spring, right before the pandemic hit. Like many other performing arts groups, Shakes had to learn how to adapt theatre within the limitations of a Zoom screen.
Kate Nash ‘23, Vice President of Shakes, emphasized the company’s search to “embrace the differences” between live and virtual theatre. This sentiment is clearly present in their upcoming virtual production of Much Ado About Nothing, which Nash is assistant directing. The flyer promotes the play as “a love story in quarantine,” with a traditional theatrical mask encased in a computer screen. Nash mentioned that their production will incorporate some pre-recorded elements and occasional dialogue delivered through text message.
The pandemic has not only changed the space in which theatre is performed, but also the actor’s craft. Never before has a traditional stage play been performed in such a way where every expression on an actor’s face is visible! “We have to think as actors about it more like screen acting because you can only see your face,” Nash said.
Despite the bevy of “differences” Smith Shakes has had to embrace, the company is thriving. In addition to their current production, they hosted a Zoom reading of A Midsummer Night’s Dream over J-term, a Diversity Equity & Inclusion workshop on anti-racism in theatre, and a workshop on Shakespearen relationships. These events were well attended, and the company has welcomed many new members.
Because of the seeming impossibility of virtual theatre, Shakes was not optimistic about their success this past year. “We expected to be struggling, and we’re doing better than we ever have,” said Nash.
She attributed some of this growth to the change in the audition process. She thought that taking a chance on acting felt less intimidating virtually, and supported an “oh, I can just try!” mentality. “You just have to enter a Zoom meeting, you don’t have to walk across campus and interact with people,” said Nash.
Smith Shakes will present Much Ado About Nothing live on April 16 and 17 at 7 p.m. EST. Links to the performance will be available through their Instagram and Facebook pages.
If you are part of a student-run club or organization and are interested in being featured in this series, please contact sophian@smith.edu
(Photo via Smith Shakes)
