Jeremy Koch
I am involved in executive level planning for the Farmers Alley organization. I guide the artistic vision, hire artists, and guide live and virtual projects. I also participate as a performer on the frontlines.
Are you currently involved in any theatrical or artistic projects?
I am currently putting the finishing touches on the Farmers Alley Theatre project called "Home For The Holidays". I am also planning for virtual events in early 2021 and we hope to re-open Farmers Alley's doors in the fall of 2021.
How has the COVID-19 epidemic personally affected your artistic opportunities?
As a producer, COVID prevented Farmers Alley from opening its production of LOST IN YONKERS in March 2020, and then three other main stage musicals: LADY DAY, BRIGHT STAR and HIGH FIDELITY were also shut down. We were also not able to do the projects we had planned for the 2020/2021 season. As an actor, I was scheduled to star in BRIGHT STAR as well as other productions in the 2020/2021 season. On the bright side, I developed and starred in the Farmers Alley series "Backyard Broadway" where I would sing Broadway songs for patrons in their backyards. I sang with my kids, Jason and Carly, so it was special for us. But we miss live theatre very much.
What do you think is in store for the industry? Will it be the same post-COVID?
I don't think life will ever be the same. I think we will always have to consider being as safe and healthy as possible. A vaccine will really help with artists, arts makers and audiences to feel comfortable. One silver lining is continuing to have a virtual series that we can offer to audiences across the country. Offering virtual and streaming events sometimes helps to remove barriers - maybe those with physical challenges or maybe there are some who don't feel safe in certain environments; well, now they have a way to see art and culture where before maybe they didn't. This type of access helps with people who travel a lot too. Here in Michigan there are lots of "snowbirds" who travel south for the winter.
What words of advice or solidarity do you have for other artists in the theatre industry?
I think artists are resilient and always have been. Clearly, the arts industry as a whole is going through an incredibly difficult time, but there have been many difficult times in history. The world needs artists now more than ever to shine a light on love and beauty to give the world hope. Artists create. We have to. And we will always think of ways to do just that even during a pandemic. We will get through this and arts lovers everywhere will look to artists to show them how to become more empathetic and feel less alone. We must be ready lead the world into the new future.