If this pandemic has taught me anything, it’s don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today and the importance of not only family and friends but the things we love.
Leitheatre is an important part of our lives. It helps give us a regular routine, friendship and a way to express ourselves. For over a year now, this has been taken away from us. However, with the help of technology we have found new ways to give us our Leitheatre fix.
The power of Zoom!
I still remember the first committee meeting I hosted on the digital platform as acting President. I wasn’t really sure what I was doing but, with the help of my wife, the committee embarked on it first virtual meeting.
We had quite a lot of “we can’t see you” “we can’t hear you” and a lot of people taking over each other but after 10 minutes, we settled into it and actually the meeting was a lot shorter and more productive.
Now over a year on and with a new committee it just seems normal to meet over zoom.
Committee meetings are not the only way we come together digitally as a club. There have been several quiz nights, a virtual pub night, club celebrations, Bingo and now regular play readings, We even managed to hold our AGM virtually.
My personal favourite event was the Burns celebration. There was a Fantastic turn out and it was great to see so many of our members. We followed the usual Burns format but it all felt new and fresh. I loved Tim’s toast to the lassies, a great take on the famous speech, and it wouldn’t be a Burns celebration without a haggis. Don did a wonderful job.
There was live singing and pre recorded songs, some from previous shows and some new recordings which made the whole event feel polished and professional.
Beyond social events, our members find new and exciting ways to perform. We have just finished recording our one act play entry ‘Tangled Souls’ virtually on zoom for the SCDA festival. Our very own Stephen wrote the short play specifically for Zoom and director, Rik, has taken the script and, together with Stephen and a talented list of Leitheatre members, produced a short play which I think is brilliant. It shows the level of talent enthusiasm and diversity we have at Leitheatre.
We have had several new members join the club in the last year. Although we have never actually met other than over zoom, they have already played an active part in the club and taken part in play readings. One of them was even cast in Tangled Souls.
I don’t think virtual gatherings will ever replace being in a room with people but I hope it has helped some of us fill the void. I personally can’t wait to get back to the club premises, have meetings in person, start to build the club back up and actually attend rehearsals where we work on a production.
I’m very proud to be part of a club that have adapted so well to the restrictions we have have all faced. I hope that as we navigate our way over the coming years, we end up an even stronger and resilient club.