Performers are taught to be ready for anything.
Even the Coronavirus.
"There's a phrase in theater, 'the show must go on.' So in this case, I guess the show must go online," Dana Alvarez says.
"We're Open" - List of Open Businesses
Alvarez is the theater director at Melody Lane Performing Arts Center in Cape Coral. With the studio closed right now because of the virus, she and others have had to figure out a way to keep the business going and the kids engaged.
This story is part of our "We're Open SWFL" initiative. We want to tell stories about locally-owned businesses that are adjusting and innovating, to stay open during the Coronavirus scare.
"That's what a teacher will do. Like, 'ok, what do I need to do? This is what I need to do for my kids, I'm going to make it happen however I can,'" Alvarez says.
She's doing it by using video conferencing apps like Zoom and FaceTime to meet with the kids while they're home. So kids in two different musical theater productions are rehearsing online.
Also this week, Melody Lane started up online acting, dance, flexibility, and fitness classes for all ages.
"We are trying to keep our regular classes condensed, but up and running," Alvarez says.
You can sign up by emailing the studio at MelodyLaneDance@gmail.com
Or if you're looking for something quick and fun, the studio's Facebook page has daily music and theater-related challenges.
None of this is ideal and hopefully, it's just temporary.
But, as Dana says, the show must go on. "We're just like everybody else. Going day by day, hour by the hour, assessing where we are and trying to do the best we can."
RELATED STORIES
