CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. -- Swift Creek Mill Theatre is going digital this fall, with plans to offer virtual performances.
The “Young People’s Playhouse” has put on live educational plays for decades but now the performances will be filmed by award-winning filmmaker Martin Montgomery and available for rental.
“We're going to be able to do some wonderful things in this brave new world of digital education and entertainment,” said Width. “For instance, everyone gets a great seat, close to the action onstage. We can actually zoom in for terrific closeups of the characters and the scenery so our viewers will feel as if they're right in the middle of the action."
This announcement comes after Swift Creek closed due to the coronavirus pandemic and a massive flooding that damaged the building last month.
“The pandemic has forced theatres around the world to think outside the box when it comes to fulfilling our missions and generating revenue,” said the Mill’s Managing Director Steven Koehler. “The closure has been difficult, to say the least, and the flood could not have come at a worse time. Still, we resolved to approach these challenges with a determination to look for opportunities to adapt and explore non-traditional options. We thought, if the students can’t come here, we’ll bring the theatre to them."
As of now, the theatre is still closed for live performances but Managing Director Steven Koehler says they plan to resume once they are certain they can ensure the health and safety of audiences, artists and staff and when they are financially able to do so.
“Until then, we are presented with an exciting opportunity to branch out to a broader audience with digital performances while maintaining our historic ties to the community," said Koehler.
You can find information about the upcoming digital performances here.
