Although the San Benito Stage Company had to cancel its remaining shows for 2020, the pandemic isn’t stopping the organization from staying active.
The local theater group will hold a virtual talent show July 25 as the first event since announcing cancellation of the season’s planned live shows due to the COVID-19 pandemic, said Derek Barnes, president of the nonprofit group.
Additionally, he said plans are in the works for a virtual silent auction and dinner pickup in August or September, along with the possibility of the stage company recording virtual shows for the community.
First up is the talent show, and interested participants can audition from today through July 12.
“It’s more about having something that’s in our community that kind of, hopefully, lifts some spirits up and people get to see how much talent we have here in the county,” Barnes said.
Those interested in auditioning can send a one-minute family-friendly audition piece to [email protected].
Any sort of talent is allowed – not just theater – and residents of all ages are welcome to take part. For more on rules and other information, go to sanbenitostage.org.
The show will be presented on YouTube on July 25, and prizes will be awarded. Barnes said judges will watch the show and decide on winners.
Beyond the talent show, Barnes offered insight on the silent auction event. He noted how the organization has had to cancel all of its remaining fundraisers as well, such as Casino Night and a summer camp.
He said most donors of items for the postponed Casino Night event were OK with the organization using them in the silent auction, which will take place in August or September.
“We’re just trying to figure out creative ways to raise money for the organization,” Barnes said.
Then there is talk of holding “virtual or taped” shows later in the year.
“That’s going to be the last thing we work on,” he said. There’s hope to return in 2021 with several shows originally planned for 2020: Beauty and the Beast Jr., Bye Bye Birdie and Annie Get Your Gun.
