Like in many industries, the global pandemic has dismantled what was once the usual flow of social enjoyment. With a myriad of restrictions and measures in place; from quarantine to stay at home orders, physical distancing and limitations in public gatherings, many persons have been doing their best to navigate life in this new normal. The entertainment industry is one example of a sector which has been significantly and negatively impacted.
The industry which was prominently known for hosting large scale public events, concerts, local, regional and international tours have been forced to rethink how entertainment can be delivered and maintained in this post-pandemic era. A large part of entertainment revenue is accumulated through public engagement. With the current dispensation, one may ask, how can entertainment stay alive during this crisis? Buzzz Magazine spoke with two entertainers to see how they are coping during this crisis.
Dahlia Harris
Actress, TV & Radio Personality
To say that COVID-19 has adversely affected our ability to earn is a gross understatement. For theatre, it has completely shut down access to physical spaces, resulting in not just the closure of productions, but also the termination of lease agreements in some instances.
The projection for the loss of earnings for actors, crew, technical and production teams is long term. Stand-up comedy shows have evolved from that to pay per view access; a model that theatre producers will have to explore. But the viability of this approach rests in medium to long term investment. Audiences may have to warm up to the idea of paying to watch plays online.
Other medium to long term approaches will also need to consider the possibility of outdoor venues. Spaces like Emancipation Park, Hope Gardens, and Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre are but a few of the venues large enough to accommodate the numbers required for a production to be viable while maintaining a physical distance. Government support to access these venues at affordable rates will also be necessary for this to be successful.
Dahlia Harris on COVID-19’s impact on the entertainment industry
To read more, please purchase a copy of Buzzz Caribbean Lifestyle Magazine Vol 10 #7 in a store near you.
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Written By: Damion Anglin
Like in many industries, the global pandemic has dismantled what was once the usual flow of social enjoyment. With a myriad of restrictions and measures in place; from quarantine to stay at home orders, physical distancing and limitations in public gatherings, many persons have been doing their best to navigate life in this new normal. The entertainment industry is one example of a sector which has been significantly and negatively impacted.
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The industry which was prominently known for hosting large scale public events, concerts, local, regional and international tours have been forced to rethink how entertainment can be delivered and maintained in this post-pandemic era. A large part of entertainment revenue is accumulated through public engagement. With the current dispensation, one may ask, how can entertainment stay alive during this crisis? Buzzz Magazine spoke with two entertainers to see how they are coping during this crisis.
Dahlia Harris
Actress, TV & Radio Personality
To say that COVID-19 has adversely affected our ability to earn is a gross understatement. For theatre, it has completely shut down access to physical spaces, resulting in not just the closure of productions, but also the termination of lease agreements in some instances.
The projection for the loss of earnings for actors, crew, technical and production teams is long term. Stand-up comedy shows have evolved from that to pay per view access; a model that theatre producers will have to explore. But the viability of this approach rests in medium to long term investment. Audiences may have to warm up to the idea of paying to watch plays online.
Other medium to long term approaches will also need to consider the possibility of outdoor venues. Spaces like Emancipation Park, Hope Gardens, and Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre are but a few of the venues large enough to accommodate the numbers required for a production to be viable while maintaining a physical distance. Government support to access these venues at affordable rates will also be necessary for this to be successful.
To read more, please purchase a copy of Buzzz Caribbean Lifestyle Magazine Vol 10 #7 in a store near you.
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