Joan Herrington
What parts of the industry are you involved in?
Chair of a Department of Theatre at a public university, professional director, and dramaturg.
Are you currently involved in any theatrical or artistic projects?I am working as a dramaturg on two projects for the stage. I am producing work within the Department of Theatre.
How has the COVID-19 epidemic personally affected your artistic opportunities?Several professional projects slated for work this year have been cancelled. Opportunities to work live and in the rehearsal or script room with colleagues have been non-existent. Most productions at the university were cancelled or not shared with audiences.
What do you think is in store for the industry? Will it be the same post-COVID?I am optimistic and think that the hunger for live performance and the community that accompanies it will draw artists and audiences back to live and movie theatres in record numbers. That said, many artists will have been forced to leave the business and many theatres will have closed. I do think that many aspects of our industry will have been changed forever, and the incorporation of virtual performances (and virtual script meetings, casting sessions, etc) are here to stay.
What words of advice or solidarity do you have for other artists in the theatre industry?See my note above that I believe when we come back, we will come back with a roar and not a whimper! And the world needs us – the world needs art to process what we have experienced, to help us heal – not only from Covid but from so many oppressions we are enduring at this time. Our work will be more important than ever.