It’s surprising, but true, that here in Chicago we are looking at week 9 of shelter-in-place. We’re still in our homes and most likely deep in our heads. For a breath of fresh air, tune into these stellar virtual entertainment offerings from some of our esteemed clients.
The Lyric Opera of Chicago is here to educate and amuse, with enlightening articles, exclusive artist interviews, behind-the-scenes photos, engaging videos, and more. Take a look at Lyric Lately!
The American Museum of Natural History is hosting a plethora of learning experiences including Ology, their science website where kids and families can find fun activities and games, and online curriculum collections for teachers, parents, and students.
Like all concerts in Illinois, the Civic Orchestra’s long-planned centennial performance had to be canceled, but that didn’t stop these gifted young musicians from being heard. Not an ideal way to celebrate the Civic centennial – but surely an ingenious one. The Chicago Symphony offers a variety of digital content to help keep music in patrons’ lives. Please check out CSO Radio and the CSO’s channel on YouTube.
The Kennedy Center will now stream “Couch Concerts” on their website at 4 p.m. ET every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to help inspire, uplift, heal, and bring the performing arts from the homes of artists into homes across the country and around the world during these difficult times. Tune into Kennedy Center @ Home.
McCarter Theatre Center, spotlighted in this article for their volunteer efforts, is one of the most active cultural centers in the nation. Visit their digital stage, McCarter @ Home or Facebook page for conversations, collaborations, interviews, and performances.
Virtual Philadelphia Orchestra was created to bring music, in video and audio forms, as well as interactive education and enrichment, directly to you. Participants of all ages will have the opportunity to learn from, and engage with, musicians of the Orchestra through virtual learning opportunities, including panel discussions, master classes, and more. Find activities for families and kids.
Join the conversation at Tessitura. They are streaming a series “Beacons in the Dark,” of weekly video chats with visionary leaders in the Arts, Culture, and Entertainment industry who have shown immediate and effective responses to the current pandemic. Each chat lasts about 30 minutes with a live Q&A session afterward. Learn more about what worked, what didn’t, and how other organizations are planning for the future.
Steppenwolf is filling the void of live shows by producing three virtual shows specifically for its members. The May plan includes a “virtual reading” of Yasen Peyankov’s adaptation of “The Seagull” with more to come in June and July. For members and non-members alike they offer “Make with Us,” workshops for ages 13+, and for your listening pleasure “Half Hour” a podcast, hear stories, learn about the process, and discover motivation from the artists that make up the Steppenwolf family.
At the Cincinnati Symphony, they invite you to share strength and comfort through music. Enjoy the orchestra at home with live events, previously recorded live concerts. Learn at home using resources curated by the CSO team. Stream music or their podcast on Spotify.
The Arsht Center went virtual with the launch of Arsht@Home, sharing online programs celebrating the arts with free educational and entertaining content to inspire creativity while keeping the community connected and active.
Opera Is ON, San Francisco Opera’s online project debuted in April and it’s a mix of everything — new videos, playlists, blog posts, educational resources, and more to be announced.
Milwaukee Rep has partnered with First Stage and Milwaukee Ballet to leverage resources to make masks and face shields for frontline workers. Artistic Director Mark Clements. “…As theater makers, we are not used to sitting idle and while this may only be a small effort in the grand scheme of things, I’m glad our talented employees are stepping in to lend a hand.” According to a press release, the organizations have donated over 10,000 pieces with weekly deliveries ongoing.
We are in awe of the swift and expansive action our clients in the arts, associations, and medical industries have taken in the face of this pandemic. We are proud to support them. In a time of digital transformation, they have found a way to virtually connect and engage communities from home. Until we can, once again, gather in person – stay safe and take care.
