These past two years have changed so much in regard to education and extracurricular activities.

As the world began to shut down, limitations and challenges presented themselves for Salisbury’s programs. One of the extracurriculars greatly affected by the pandemic was Salisbury Theatre.

Prior to the pandemic, Salisbury Theatre did not get the support it needed.

First, in March 2020, their musical “Into the Woods” was postponed and eventually canceled. They then came back during the fall season to put on their annual winter play virtually, presenting “Winter Break” to the community.

For the spring musical, the question of being able to perform in public arose as fall and winter sports took place without many repercussions or protest. Salisbury Theatre had the vision of performing “Little Women” for the community in an outdoor theater experience. The experience was meant to be one similar to “a movie in the park;” however, in their case, a musical in the field of the high school.

This vision slowly started to go down the drain as Salisbury Theatre began facing internal conflicts. Due to a lack of male participation, “Little Women” was eliminated as a possible musical for the spring season. They then moved to an all women’s ‘70s musical called “Beehive.” However, as time passed waiting for the materials to arrive, more and more participants left the show, leaving them without a musical to perform and actors to do so.

Nevertheless, there is hope. This year, once again, Salisbury Theatre sent two students to represent them and perform in the show numbers of the Freddy Awards. The annual theater award show recognizes students in our region for their outstanding performances and achievements within their theater groups. This year’s Salisbury representatives are Margaret Carl and myself.

Similar to Salisbury Theatre, the Freddy Awards have faced several obstacles surrounding their annual show.

Last year, the show was bound to the virtual world as we were in lockdown. This year they are pre-recording all the schools’ performances in individual high schools because the State Theatre is not quite open for performers and an audience yet. Those that were chosen to be in the award show performance numbers are recording on the roof and around the State Theatre, capturing outside gems the audience has never seen before.

These pre-recorded live performances are creating a whole new experience for the Freddy Awards. The show will be broadcast 7 p.m. May 27 on WFMZ. Be sure to watch!

That’s all for this week; stay tuned for more student news.