The Covid-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on numerous industries all across the globe, one being the theatre industry. For centuries, audiences have gathered to watch theatre live. However, due to the pandemic, people are now forced to watch from behind their computer screens. In light of the hybrid circumstances, Riverdale’s 2021 All-Hill Spring concert Block to Block, offers a clever use of technology and sheds light on storytelling.
Block to Block follows the lives of various students navigating the ups and downs of remote learning. The production is composed of myriad concert theatre songs that each help the character express a different, unique message. These songs are sung by both soloists and ensembles, with vibrant choreography and a variety of relatable topics. Sofia Egol (‘22), one of the performers, hopes that Riverdale students may find meaning in seeing themselves in the characters and feel that their struggles during the pandemic are valid: “I think that’s part of the beauty of this project… defining it for ourselves.”
Ms. Simpson and Ms. Frare, Middle and Upper School Theatre and Dance teachers, are Co-Directors and choreographers for the production. They are making sure to preserve the theatre feel of the concert, primarily through in person performances. “Each student who is able to come to campus will have at least one section that they're filming in person. So that will be a little bit… more like a live performance, even though we're filming it”, Ms. Simpson explains.
Actors will be recording their respective numbers through SoundTrap, an online music production and recording software. The recordings are then synced to the actors’ dance performances to ultimately create a movie concert. However, the recording process produces challenges of its own. Dariana Almonte (‘22), also a performer participating in the concert, explains she has to “have a lot of energy and a lot of passion, [even though] most of the time you’re in your room, recording by yourself.”
While actors have had to overcome the technical limitations of practicing theatre remotely, the lack of in person rehearsals can potentially lead to a lack of emotional connection between actors. According to Egol, it is these “small moments that [are] really crucial in creating a really welcoming and warm community in the musical theatre.” As middle school students are also performing in the concert, both Almonte and Egol are ensuring they provide guidance and support to the actors during what could potentially be an overwhelming experience.
Despite the circumstances, the actors, choreographers, costume designers, and technical team, ultimately seek to connect with the Riverdale audience. When asked what she wants the overall goal of the concert to be, Almonte explained “I just want [students] to feel heard, honestly. I want them to see this [concert] and be like ‘yes, this is me,’ and that if some songs don’t apply to them, that’s fine too, because there is no such thing as one Riverdale student.” Not only does the concert highlight the hardships students are facing but also demonstrates that putting on a production like Block to Block is a testament to the resilience of the theater industry. As the actors and producers of Block to Block continue to bring these stories to life, one thing is clear: we produce our best art when we can venture beyond our comfort zone.
Depending on the duration of filming and editing, Block to Block is set to become available around late May.
