Local theaters are getting crafty when it comes to live performances during the COVID-19 pandemic. Virtual screenings are on the agenda for American Stage as well as Jobsite ,and St. Pete’s freeFall Theater took it to the next level with an in-person drive-in concert series. Thanks to major creativity and virtual plays, Tampa Bay is able to safely get its dose of culture.
Powerstories Theatre is joining in with its Virtual Voices of Truth Theatre Festival this March.
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The festival runs from March 10-28, and this inaugural event is a collaboration with Tampa's Outcast Theatre Collective.
According to a release, the festival consists of 16 “thought-provoking, conversation-starting productions.” Each playwright had a choice to produce their play live-streamed from Powerstories, via Zoom, or as a prerecorded theatre experience.
"Theatre is a transformative experience, and during this time of COVID, even if we can't have our patrons seated in our theatre yet, we felt we owed our audiences lots of opportunities for transformation," explained Powers in a statement. "In late 2020, we threw out a wide net and asked for playwrights to give us their plays based on true stories. And they did! We are excited to be presenting fifteen very diverse themes. We have authors from here and around the nation, with local, national, and in the case of Dwayne Yancy's story, "Miss Mitchell's Comet," even an international cast."
Early bird all-access 16-show festival passes are $79 before Feb. 14. Ticket prices go up to $99 until March 8. If you don’t think you can cram in all viewings, or you’ve plucked a handful of can’t miss shows from the list, individual tickets are $10 per show.
Several plays in the festival will feature post-show talkback discussions with the playwright, cast, crew, and noted experts in the field, providing live questions and answers sessions via Zoom.
"More than ever, in this time in our country's history, we feel compelled to honor our mission statement and bring Truth to the stage. We hope that The Voices of Truth Festival will increase courage and confidence, deepen appreciation for diversity, and strengthen people's bonds. Whether you are an actor, a director, or an audience member, we all miss that feeling that is telling a story, a feeling that only live theatre can give. We can't wait to give that back to our audience and artists in March with our Voices of Truth Theatre Festival."
To learn more or to purchase tickets for the virtual Voices of Truth Theatre Festival on March 10-28, visit powerstories.com.
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