The 2020 school year has been like no other. Many college students have struggled like never before, learning all lessons at home virtually while teaching themselves how to balance new amounts of workload of various forms.
Those majoring in fine arts have been presented with many challenges. Cancellations of performances; dance, theater, and art classes held virtually; and some classes even ended early for the semester. Courses that are meant to be taught in person are now limited to being held via Zoom.
“It is very difficult to try and adjust and get more involved in virtual plays and productions,” said Corinne Todd, a theater major and art minor at Saint Leo University.
Todd explained how difficult it has been this semester compared to past ones. Her classes are very hands on, and now there is no way to fully participate. She is one of many students struggling to adjust to the coursework and find creative and engaging ways to stay connected to the arts.
Many fine art students turn to their passion as a way to deal with stress and anxiety, a way to express themselves freely. This semester, some students have considered taking a gap year in attempt of waiting to see if things get better.
“If I’m feeling really sad and just want to occupy my mind and focus on nothing but art, that’s what I turn to,” Todd said.
Many universities are struggling to find coronavirus safe ways to teach these classes, which results in switching to remote learning or cancelations. Live audiences for student produced and performed plays is no longer an option, which takes away the opportunity for these students to live out their passion.
“One of my classes is prop making, it was a new outlet to create stuff in the theater,” said Todd.
Every form of art has technicalities that need to be taught face to face. Painting, drawing, and especially theater production and performance requires guidance. Students do not have the opportunity to do this this semester, but professors are finding ways to maintain creative and unique options for students.
With the stress of the pandemic, and all of the other events that have occurred this year, fine art students have never needed to express themselves more. Professors are creating assignments that have helped them cope with the times we are facing.
Virtual plays have also taken the world by storm. Creating and producing shows from home has helped students cope with the changes being faced. This has pushed students to think outside the box and work together as a team, even from a distance.
For seniors, it has been harder to accept the fact that this the way their college careers will end. Despite the many unfortunate circumstances, art and theater professors have found ways for students to exhibit their work before moving into the next stage of life.
By holding virtual art exhibits for art majors to showcase their work and performances for theater majors, it has given students the opportunity to still feel like they are getting their college experience.
Todd is just one of many seniors facing the reality of how different their college experience is and how different it will end, but many students who still have years to go aren’t so sure if their experience will be any different.
