Photo of COF Theater’s virtual play, Spatial Relationships, Dec. 2020
The pandemic has changed many aspects of our lives, but one thing that remains constant is the human ability to adapt. Artists are unique problem solvers by nature and there has been no shortage of creativity across COF’s performing arts programs.
Faculty, staff and students across the Colleges of the Fenway have found new ways to create experiences for both performer and audience. Here are some of the programs that took place this fall:
- Virtual workshop series with topics ranging from Socially Engaged Dance to Alexander Technique for the Performer. Workshops are free and open to COF staff, faculty, students and alumni.
- The Emmanuel College Theater Arts program created its first interactive, virtual theater piece, Theater Macabre: Network, which received honors from the Kennedy Center Theater Festival.
- COF Theater held its first LIVE virtual performance of Spatial Relationships, a collection of one-act plays about the pandemic.
- COF Dance created two films highlighting the diversity of its students while finding ways to connect virtually with Exquisite Distance and Exquisite Connection. They also presented a series of dance films for their Fall 2020 virtual showcase.
- COF Music compiled video recordings of notable compositions – one by award winning composer Valerie Coleman, Umoja – which premiered at COF’s 23rd Annual MLK Breakfast on Jan. 29.
Programming will continue this spring with online and in-person dance classes (COF Dance), theater workshops (COF Theater), the creation of musical films (COF Jazz Band, Chorus, Orchestra and Flute Choir), and an outdoor theater performance (Emmanuel Theater Arts Program).
The COF Center for Performing Arts will continue to adapt in this unique environment and offer the quality, inclusive arts experiences that have always been central to its programming.
For more info about spring performing arts visit: https://www.colleges-fenway.org/activities/performingarts/