Creative Recommendations
So Glad We Made It
I want to remind you that for this section of recommendations, we’re using the Vroom-Yetton GII leadership model. I have created this partial list with the help of all the creatives I’ve interviewed combined with my knowledge of the industry.
The Pit
Recommendations with * attached were made by Caleb Hoyer and/or Bryan Perri
Have ½-2/3rd of orchestra outside of orchestra pit. Have music director designate which instruments stay in the pit and which do not
Have the ½-2/3rd put into rooms within the theater they reside in. Have the music director designated which rooms*
When in other rooms, musicians should have various instruments ( such as monitors and headphones)
All pit members required to wear masks*
Brass/woodwinds separated from other instruments*
Musicians playing brass/woodwinds instruments face away from each other
Plexi-glass use to separate musicians. Must consult with MD regarding sound quality
Musicians should observe social distancing entering and exiting pit and other rooms occupied by them
Masks must be worn at all times (except for woodwinds/brass)
Backstage: Stagehands, Wardrobe, Wigs, Makeup
Recommendations with * attached were made by Rose Bisogno and/or Sara Donovan
Stagehands
Masks required backstage at all times
Must remain 6 feet apart when possible
Must wear gloves. Use new pair for every show
Wardrobe, Wigs, and Makeup
Masks required at all times
Gloves are required to be worn, unless doing intricates changes. If not wearing gloves for intricate changes, must Purcell after change*
Every dresser carrying fanny pack must have hand sanitizer
Every show should have day work be required on every show day *
In between shows, sanitize touch points
Sanitize hands before and after every change*
Required to change into crew blacks at theater*
Have everyone’s show blacks be laundered according to normal union contract
Beef up sanitization backstage after every show
Clean lace on wigs for makeup and do round of sanitation on lace*
Spray wigs with alcohol if possible.
Have actors do own makeup as much as possible
For makeup artists, no overlapping of brushes
Disinfect brushes after show
Actors
Creative Table: Directors, Set+ Lighting Designers, Writers
Masks to be worn at all times in rehearsal and at tech
Remain 6 feet apart
Sanitize hands before and after touching actors (during rehearsal and tech)
Work from home when possible
Only be in person if necessary (specifically for tech and opening night)
Use methods such as email and text to give notes to actors and other creatives
What’s the Buzz?
If you noticed, this creative recommendation section is shorter than the audience one. That is because there are many unions that require the sort of sanitation and separation that already occur. Lucky us! But the main thing I’ve noticed is, again, proximity. We’re only half way through though. We’re going to uncover some injustice in the next two sections, and what the future might hold for Broadway once this is all over. If you haven’t already, please take this opportunity to learn more about me and also donate to my research. It’s just me, my computer, and a notebook and I need all the help I can get to keep this site running for future MBAs and creatives to read.
For now, take a little break, grab some coffee, and get ready to see how we can lower Broadway’s ticket prices to bring back audiences quickly.