With coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic restrictions preventing audiences from filling the seats in the Main Stage theater and Schubert Theatre in Labuda Center for the Performing Arts, DeSales University’s Act 1 is rising to the challenge by offering student theater, dance and film performances virtually this fall.

Act 1, the university’s theater program, which is noting its 50th anniversary, is exploring a new frontier of internet performances as it launches its season into the next 50 years, observing social distancing while still offering quality artistic productions.

It’s Act 1’s first-time streaming productions. While many theaters across the United States have suspended performances because of the COVID-19 restrictions, Act 1 decided to experiment with alternative production methods.

The 2020-2021 Act 1 season opens with the premiere of “Chainz/Broken,” a pre-recorded Zoom production of two one-act plays by Paris Crayton III that take a look at the hot-button issues of racism and gun violence, Sept. 26 and 27.

“‘Chainz’ explores the continuing issue of racism. ‘Broken’ explores the ever-present issue of gun violence,” says Anne Lewis, Head of the Division of Performing Arts.

“Mr. Crayton does a remarkable job of presenting the touching humanity of his characters who are caught in these issues. It is in their very human responses that we can all take something home to think about and hopefully grow into a more understanding society,” Lewis says.

The plays feature men and women of color. In “Chainz,” a young teen has been gunned down and his killer set free, which leads to protests around the country.

One protest gets out of hand and lands four men from four different walks of life in a holding cell at the local police station. Through sadness, anger, joy and tears, the four men learn about each other, and more importantly, about themselves.

In “Broken,” five women work through the loss of their children to find strength through faith and each other.

“Chainz/Broken” is directed by Philadelphia artist-activist Kalif Troy.

“My feelings on ‘Chainz/Broken’ are heavy,” says Troy. “On one hand, we need these productions and we need them now. On the other hand, I don’t want to need these productions because I want our society to do better and be better, for our collective future.

“My heart goes out to anyone who has lost someone to gun violence and my heart hurts knowing that we must continue to protest for the simple notion that Black Lives Matter.”

Students also benefit from the voice of award-winning “Chainz/Broken” playwright Paris Crayton III.

“I’m excited that DeSales University has decided to take on such a challenging and timely piece of work although I’m sad that this work is still relevant,” says Crayton.

“I wrote ‘Chainz’ after attending a protest for Trayvon Martin and ‘Broken’ soon after. I produced the work in 2014. During rehearsals, Michael Brown was killed in Ferguson, Missouri, where I was born and raised.”

Original music for the production is by William Neal, sound designer and sound supervisor for DeSales University and Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival.

DeSales University Division of TV/Film faculty and students, through their work with the production company, Digital Feast, have made the streaming of the production possible.

“Chainz/Broken” will be streamed on Vimeo Sept. 26 and 27, all day through midnight. There is a fee per viewer. Closed captions are available.

To order viewing passes: www.tickets.desales.edu/TheatreManager/; 610-282-3192. The day prior to your selected performance date, you will be sent a reminder email which will include the production link and password with instructions on how to view the show.

The Act 1 performing arts season includes Shakespeare’s “As You Like It,” Oct. 10-11; Emerging Choreographers Concert, Oct. 24-25; 48-Hour Screen Dance Challenge, Nov. 1, and “A Christmas Carol,” Dec. 5, 6.

Information: www.desales.edu/act1

Murder mystery at Blue Ridge Winery:

Enjoy an evening of murder-mystery theater, and take part if you want, when “Murder at the Cemetery” comes to Blue Ridge Estate Vineyard & Winery, 239 Blue Ridge Road, Saylorsburg, Sept. 24.

Presented by the winery, Zahoroiko Entertainment and The Underground Experience, the murder-mystery takes place outside of the winery under a large tent.

When buying tickets, you may choose to be an active participant who will be a part of the play and may get lines, be a suspect, a witness, or even the murderer. You also can choose to be passive and just watch and take in clues.

Active parts are first-come, first-serve, so it is recommended getting to the winery early. Parts start being handed out at 6:15 p.m.

Dinner, which is catered by Aces Gourmet Catering, begins at 6:30 p.m. and the mystery starts at 7 p.m.

Detective Dash Camm has been called in to find the murderer of movie producer Vasgo N. Awhn. His body is found in an open grave in a cemetery where he was filming his newest movie, “Dead Duce.” The movie was a “zombie” movie and many of the suspects are still in zombie costumes.

Guests are encouraged to come in zombie costume. A prize will be given for the best zombie outfit.

A limited number of tickets is being sold to maintain social distancing.

Tickets: www.eventbrite.com/e/117309466773

“Curtain Rises” is a column about the theater, stage shows, the actors in them and the directors and artists who make them happen. To request coverage, email: Paul Willistein, Focus editor, pwillistein@tnonline.com