Online Performance in a Digital World
Alexis Schuster '21 Staff Writer
Have you looked forward to the annual school musical performed by your fellow students, only to be taken aback upon hearing that school has taken an online form? Fret not, for the stage has been taken to the digital medium! This year, a musical will be performed entirely online for the general public to watch, with a date to be determined. The accessibility of the musical however is unknown, as the director is looking for ways to broadcast it privately to the Howard High community.
The musical this year will be “Chicago.” Set during the 1920s, Roxie finds fame after being imprisoned for murdering her lover, Fred, in cold blood. This musical is a satire on the concept of a criminal who gains notoriety and fame from being imprisoned.
I had the chance to interview the director of this musical, Mrs. Laura Greffen. She is passionate about this once-in-a-lifetime situation. Mrs. Greffen made it clear that the musical will be pre-recorded and edited, stating, “It’s impossible to have multiple people perform and sing at the same time on the Internet.” She further elaborates that since the actors are all in different situations, with different internet and data plans, it is quite difficult to get all of the necessary equipment and set pieces to accommodate a particular shot.
Anthony Negron, who plays Billy, notes that the technical aspect of the musical is different, with the rooms needing to have a particular look for a shot to feel right. He also spoke about the various audio and video files he uploads for Mrs Greffen to edit, with a few becoming corrupted in the process. As for his role as Billy, he explains that Billy is “a corrupt lawyer who’s in it for the money, but he makes the public think he’s better than he is. He’s fun to play!”
The musical this year will be “Chicago.” Set during the 1920s, Roxie finds fame after being imprisoned for murdering her lover, Fred, in cold blood. This musical is a satire on the concept of a criminal who gains notoriety and fame from being imprisoned.
I had the chance to interview the director of this musical, Mrs. Laura Greffen. She is passionate about this once-in-a-lifetime situation. Mrs. Greffen made it clear that the musical will be pre-recorded and edited, stating, “It’s impossible to have multiple people perform and sing at the same time on the Internet.” She further elaborates that since the actors are all in different situations, with different internet and data plans, it is quite difficult to get all of the necessary equipment and set pieces to accommodate a particular shot.
Anthony Negron, who plays Billy, notes that the technical aspect of the musical is different, with the rooms needing to have a particular look for a shot to feel right. He also spoke about the various audio and video files he uploads for Mrs Greffen to edit, with a few becoming corrupted in the process. As for his role as Billy, he explains that Billy is “a corrupt lawyer who’s in it for the money, but he makes the public think he’s better than he is. He’s fun to play!”
