COLORADO SPRINGS — Between cohorts and hybrid learning, school just looks different this year, especially for those in the theatre program.
With COVID-19 cases on the rise, Widefield High School students and faculty decided to pivot and put together it's fall play virtually.
"This was a way to get kids more involved with each other and the students to get more involved in the community around them," said Kendra Leigh, theatre teacher.
She chose "As You Like It" by William Shakespeare for this years play because of it's theme of change and dealing with change.
"I really wanted to have that conversation with the students and how we can make the best out of this change even if we don't want it," said Leigh.
Instead of ZOOM, students came up with the idea of using a green screen to record small chunks of the play and edit it together.
"We're recording with a camera, but also have something else for audio because the camera can pick up the audio as well. Then we're piecing it together and loping the audio over it," said Benito Robson, Senior at Widefield High School.
Rehearsals are usually done over zoom, but when they're in person, everyone wears their masks and stays six feet a part.
While students say it's been difficult to put together the play virtually, they've been able to push through with the help of each other.
"It's kinda different and sad because we aren't going to be able to do the same things we did last year, but it is fun and entertaining that we can all be together," said Leticia Martinez, Senior at Widefield High School.
Students say the play has really helped them through the pandemic.
"What helped us all was that we could overcome and use all our frustration over COVID and put it into our acting," said Robson.
For those interested in seeing the play, tickets can be bought on the WHS Drama website. All proceeds go to the theatre department. The play will broadcast virtually November 5-7 on the website as well.
