The start of the new decade hasn’t been easy for anyone, but it’s given us a new perspective, brought people together and forced us to slow down and rest. While the latter is positive for people who have been on-the-go for years, volunteers in the performing arts community are struggling. 

While sitting in a cushioned, yet often tightly squeezed chair, we all adore the talents of the many actors, singers and dancers who grace the stage at our favorite theaters. Stages all around the world often presents performers with both naturally gifted talents as well as those that are highly trained. Each performer finds their gifts and skills one way or the other, but it is no secret that there is significantly more talent than roles that often exist in the professional space for aspiring Tony Award winners. Yet, the most talented actors and singers often credit community theatre and voice lessons with developing them into the performer they are today.

Summer is often defined by sunny days lounging by the pool, a barbeque with friends, day trips to the zoo and for many in Midland, a week-long of exploration at Midland Center for the Arts for Summer Camp. However, COVID-19 and the aftermath of the recent flood has made it look a bit different this year. With most summer activities and in-person gatherings on pause until further notice, people have been forced to slow down and find creative ways to stay connected. For parents with young children, it wouldn’t be surprising if they’ve already maxed out on activities to keep their kids entertained.

We are looking to the future – working to ensure our long-term sustainability through the COVID-19 pandemic and envisioning the time when patrons can come back to experience captivating performances on our stages.

Composer Joel Thompson’s work exposes the painful realities of life in the United States for men and women of color. His powerful multi-movement choral work “Seven Last Words of the Unarmed” is a timely, visceral and moving piece that speaks to racial inequities and violence against people of color. The work features the words of Michael Brown, Trayvon Martin, Oscar Grant, Eric Garner, Kenneth Chamberlain, Amadou Diallo, and John Crawford. These seven African-American men were each killed by police or other authority figures.

As the Stay Home Stay Safe executive orders have been extended to late May, leaving many events and festivals uncertain of their future for the summer, Midland Center for the Arts continues its mission to connect artists with the community. A virtual art festival will now replace the annual Summer Art Fair previously hosted along the streets of Downtown Midland and feature an array of juried artists in a variety of mediums.

Though separated physically by self-isolation, members of the Midland Symphony Orchestra have come together to present its spring concert as a virtual experience for ticketholders and season subscribers. “While we aren’t able to come together at this time, we know that our friends and audiences are at home, missing the concert we all planned to attend this week,” said Dr. Matt Travis, Director of Choral & Orchestral Programs. The Midland Symphony Orchestra was scheduled to perform Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 7 on Saturday, April 18, but will now present a virtual concert featuring a repertoire of music selected by principal musicians of the orchestra.