The show must go on – but you’ll need to follow some guidelines! Making live theatre during a global pandemic has come with its own unique set of challenges, the most important of which is ensuring the safety of everyone involved; from actors, creatives, and production staff to the audience members. We welcome you to this conversation between theatre professionals who are hard at work enforcing the safety guidelines and practices with their respective productions and projects. It is our hope that members of our network can better understand this new layer of logistics and protocols involved in creating live theatre, as well as the new role of the COVID-19 compliance officer that is being integrated into productions and teams throughout the entertainment industry.
Join the live meeting Wednesday, Oct. 14: RSVP HERE
Our Moderator:
Lauren Class Schneider – Producer
Lauren has produced, directed, and stage-managed theatre, television, and live events for over 30 years. For the past 11 seasons she has collaborated with the American Theatre Wing to produce musical tributes at their annual gala. For 15 seasons Lauren produced the Drama Desk Awards and continues to serve on numerous Tony, Grammy, Daytime Emmy, and Video Music Award telecasts. In Washington DC, she served as a segment director for “Broadway at the White House” for PBS and served in various positions for ceremonies and celebrations in the Clinton and Obama White Houses.
Our Panelists:
Kate Maguire – Artistic Director, Berkshire Theatre Group
Kate is the Artistic Director and CEO of Berkshire Theatre Group (BTG). In July 2020, Kate collaborated with Actor’s Equity Association (AEA), state/local legislatures and healthcare leaders to earn Berkshire Theatre Group approval from AEA to produce the first musical in the United States (Godspell) in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. She is a Board Member and Treasurer of the Berkshire Business Roundtable, and a Trustee of Berkshire Theatre Group.
Ken McGee – Safety Officer, The Music Man
Ken is a proud AEA member. He started his career as a Production Intern at Roundabout Theatre Company. He got his AEA card working on for TheaterWorks USA touring the country with children’s theater. Kenneth currently works on The Lion King and has worked on such Broadway shows as Once On This Island, Significant Other, An American In Paris, and so many more. Off-Broadway work includes Manhattan Theatre Club, Playwrights Horizons, Classic Stage Company and Lincoln Center.
Hilary Luong – Production Manager, New York Theatre Workshop
Hilary was born and bred in Brooklyn, NY and is currently the Production Manager at New York Theatre Workshop. She has previously held production positions at The Public Theater, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, and Williamstown Theatre Festival.
