The Falcon Theatre survived the pandemic through alternative projects. Now it’s back to live shows

Ted Weil, producing artistic director for Newport, Kentucky-based Falcon Theatre, says it feels great to be open and producing live shows in front of an audience this season—the first since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Falcon, like many theaters throughout the nation, had been shut down for months—uncertain of when it would reopen its doors. Weil says that throughout the 18 months of closure, the Falcon adapted and relied on other forms of art and theater to reach its audience until its 2021-22 season opened in late September.

For instance, the Falcon produced film projects while closed to keep artists creatively engaged.

“We were able to take some of the plays we were going to produce live and produce them as film projects,” Weil says. “That was a lot of fun. It was interesting. We learned a lot.”

Weil says the Falcon was able to survive in part because of how its staff is structured. The Falcon operates by hiring artists on a project basis—which helped the theater “weather the storm pretty well,” Weil says, by decreasing expenses at a time when they weren’t bringing in a lot of revenue.

During the pandemic, the Falcon relied on using virtual tools—such as Zoom videoconferencing—to stay connected and rehearse for the film projects. Now that the theater is back open, it’s still choosing to conduct some rehearsals over Zoom—such as initial meetings, read-throughs and other instances that don’t require a lot of in-person aspects.

Weil says that although virtual rehearsals are not the same as being in the same room with someone, the time together has been successful, and the artists have adapted to online interaction. Sometimes, the virtual rehearsals are even more beneficial, keeping everyone safe and well.

Weil says there was an actor who, during a rehearsal for a show, tested positive for COVID-19 despite being vaccinated. The rest of the actors tested negative, but the COVID-infected actor had to quarantine for 10 days. When the actor was feeling better, they were able to attend rehearsals via Zoom and still participate.

“It helped her to not lose a lot of ground and helped the other actors continue to feel connected to her over the course of that 10-day period,” Weil says.

The Falcon has been open for a few months now, performing in front of a live audience, and Weil says it has been fantastic. Weil says the reopening-night speech he gave was one of the most enjoyable speeches he’s ever given.

So far this season, the Falcon has hosted performances of the classic Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner and Lisa Kron’s autobiographical play Well. Later this season, theater lovers will be able to enjoy Red Speedo (Jan. 28-Feb. 12), Silent Sky (March 18-April 2) and Spunk! (May 6-21) at the Falcon Theatre.

Performing arts was one of the first industries closed during the pandemic after being labeled “non-essential.” Weil says he disagrees with the designation. Although the theater and arts community might not be “urgent” to the immediate well-being of people—such as food, water and shelter—they are absolutely essential in his thinking.

“I think that taking a break from the arts has, in some ways, proven how essential they are. I think all of us taking a break from social interaction has proven how essential it is to our well-being, and to our culture, to our society as a whole.”