BY MAYA CRANDALL
COMMUNICATIONS EDITOR
Many of us have had to find loopholes around doing the activities we love with COVID-19, and MSA Theatre is no exception. As they say, the show must go on…And it did. Broadcast will be premiering this Friday, November 20th, MSA’s first ever virtual fall play performance! Not to mention, it was written from the ground up by the cast members—all students of MSA. I had the opportunity to interview Karen Biedermann, director of the show, and Ethan Semler, one of the producers. Broadcast explores the intricate history and development of the radio, and seeing as it is a time where we are all trying to find ways to stay connected and tuned in to the world, I think it is an excellent opportunity to explore.
This show was written completely by MSA students from start to finish. Cast members were split into smaller groups that researched and explored the radio in a specified time period. The cast met as a large group once in a while to discuss the direction of the script and what they wanted to dive into storywise, as well as make edit suggestions together. Once finished with the script, the cast rehearsed via Zoom to find the best way to deliver lines, move within a limited space, and react to others during a scene. Costumes were also an important factor to integrate into the final product, as the show takes place throughout many different decades! Finally, everyone was ready to begin filming. After this, with the help of a group of talented producers and editors, the show was tied together.
“I am so incredibly proud of our students, and the work they have put in to make this show happen!” says Karen. “Not only are you seeing the students work on screen, but it is their research, their writing, their artwork, and their editing. They truly took ownership of what you see in this production, and that has been really inspiring.” Tickets are available on ShowTix4U and will be available to stream from Friday, November 20th through Sunday, November 22nd on the same device the tickets were purchased from. Described as “surprising, heartwarming, and thoughtful,” Broadcast will be a unique experience you won’t want to miss!
Photo Credit: Maya Dalal