Frankenmuth

Having just finished a successful run of Peter Pan last February, the Muth Community Players were preparing for a full spring and summer calendar of theatrical events until life was put on hold. What was a theater without people, cast members, audiences, popcorn poppers? Megan Carigan, Director of Community Education, and Eric Johnson, Technical Director of the Bronner Performing Arts Center, learned that being nimble offstage was just as important as having flexibility onstage in order to provide entertaining community theatre experiences. "Green Room Live," "Storytime," and livestream stage productions provided opportunities for continued theatre connections when the community could not come through our doors. Grant funding from various sources, including Frankenmuth Insurance and the Frankenmuth School District Foundation, encouraged the purchase of a streaming camera and jump started our video streaming productions. While we very much missed a "packed house," our technology skills and audiences grew with each performance. Virtual auditions, Zoom rehearsals, hours of recordings, online ticketing, and meticulous planning became the norm. The Bronner Performing Arts stage again featured children's theatre, a live stage production, a Christmas show, and most recently, the very popular "Sound of Music." Not only did we rethink Muth Community Players, but we also considered new ways to offer Community Education experiences. In October, "Mother Nature" provided the perfect outdoor venue for our "Monster Mash Halloween Bash" with area sponsors setting up spooky displays in the parking lot and area youth enjoying a trick or treating path. The "Education" in Community Ed also received a make-over with the release of our "Theme Boxes" to take the place of our usual in-person classes. Families cooked, played games, and crafted together. When we were allowed, we also saw a huge interest in knitting and crocheting – both skills that once learned can be enjoyed at home. We are grateful that the Frankenmuth community continues to be supportive of our efforts to adjust our offerings and provide opportunities, and we look forward to sharing a full spring and summer schedule for 2021. Blue skies, fun games, and social distancing provided for an entertaining Monster Mash. Frankenmuth Community Education's themed boxes provided time for the Maki family to paint. A YEAR OF IMPROV Rethinking Our Community Programs Many thanks to the creative team, support crew, and cast of The Sound of Music. 14

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