WSCC suspends performing arts events until Oct. 12.

WSCC suspends performing arts events until Oct. 12.

VICTORY TOWNSHIP — West Shore Community College Performing Arts is developing alternative plans for large-group rehearsals and performing events which were scheduled to start as early as August.

The plan includes continuing the suspension of all face-to-face WSCC Performing Arts events until October 12. This suspension includes weekly performing music ensemble rehearsals, theater productions, WSCC Performing Arts Series presentations, face-to-face community outreach and friend/fundraising efforts.

In recent weeks, the college’s performing arts team, in partnership with other area arts organization, has been developing alternative programming for the community.

From the beginning of Michigan’s stay-at-home order Ted Malt, Director of Performing Arts and Professor of Music,  has been in contact with many presenting agencies, universities, regional K-12 educators, and performing arts directors to discuss the feasibility of upcoming group rehearsals and performances.

“As a performing arts program which unites many people through the arts within an academic year, health and safety are our first priorities. With the full support and advice of the college’s COVID-19 Task Force, we are developing a plan of action taking performing ensembles and performing arts events in an alternate direction. Our hope is these changes are only temporary replacements to our traditional offerings, but will serve as an important step to ensure the safety of our students and community both now and in the future,” says Malt.

A decision will be made in mid-August to determine whether face-to-face gatherings can be methodically reinstated after October 12, or any time prior. Pending this decision, performing groups will either be resumed or alternate programming will continue through December 2020. Periodic decision-making will continue until it is deemed safe to resume normal programming.

“These are not easy decisions in these uncertain times. Providing an alternate form of programming to represent what the College has offered in the past is no easy feat. It is my goal to ensure we don’t miss a beat under what are unprecedented times. It is my hope that our new normal returns sooner than later; nevertheless, I believe in being proactive. Having a plan in place ensures the continuation of our strong Performing Arts programs at the college.”

“The college will be providing our performing arts membership, donors, and the community more information on what ‘alternative programming’ looks like in the weeks to come,” Malt adds. “Any alterations to the Performing Arts, music, and theater COVID-19 action plan will be made based on strong evidence supporting the health and safety of our membership and community.”

For more information, contact Malt at tdmalt@westshore.edu