MANSFIELD — Despite COVID-19 throwing a wrench into the Renaissance Theatre’s 2020-2021 season, artistic director Michael Thomas continues to fulfill every artist’s creative needs to perform, put on shows and be creative.
“We rely on staying in the front of people’s minds, and if the Renaissance goes away — that’s one of the huge assets in Mansfield, so trying to reimagine what we do was vitally important,” Thomas said.
During the middle of their run of “Rock of Ages” back in March, the Renaissance had to unexpectedly shut down production after Gov. Mike DeWine issued a stay-at-home order. Thinking it would go back to normal within a month or two, Thomas had hope they would be able to resume shows by no later than May.
Unfortunately, that was not the case. Upon realizing that, Thomas and his crew knew they would need to pivot their outreach or risk closing down the Renaissance Theatre for an indefinite period of time.
Thomas, along with tech director Aaron Nicolas, digital programming director Ryan Shreve and operations manager Ryan Shealy came up with the idea for “Quarantine Creations,” a way to utilize local talent or local artists and present performances online.
“That really caught the notice of theaters all across the country, because it was online,” Thomas recalled. “And I started getting messages from very large theaters all over the place going, ‘Hey we saw what you were doing, what are your plans for moving forward?’”
The Renaissance Theatre has since gotten more creative with summer shows by creating “The Ren Backlot Series,” where various outdoor entertainment events are held in the parking lot behind the theater and audience members are able to pull in with their cars and watch from afar.
After DeWine recently announced new guidelines for performance arts theater’s looking to safely reopen, the Renaissance Theatre — which can seat over 1,400 people — will now be able to have indoor and outdoor performances. However, indoor audiences will be reduced to 15 percent capacity, resulting in a maximum of 210 people per show.
Although the pandemic has had a great impact on performers, Thomas said his staff have continued to keep their spirits lifted and prepared to entertain their audience in whatever way they can.
“They were great, they sat there and rehearsed with their masks on in hot weather and performed with their masks on when it’s warm,” Thomas said. “They’ve been wonderful because they’re so ready to do something again, despite all of these restrictions.”
Maddie Penwell, director of education and engagement and symphony, has worked with Thomas for 10 years and noted the positive impact he has on their community, not just through COVID-19, but also in life.
“He has this wealth of knowledge and experience that I think Mansfield overlooks,” Penwell said. “They just know the Michael Thomas of Mansfield and don’t really know who he is outside of Mansfield, but he’s been here…and he’s forever changed the Renaissance.
“Without him we would not be where we are, we would not be as successful, and we would not have the robust creativity that we have here.”
Although uncertain at times of the future of the Renaissance Theatre and its place during COVID-19, Thomas has remained passionate despite a few people telling them the theater should remain closed until it’s safe again.
Through many conversations with staff, Thomas has found solutions to figuring out the workarounds and how to pivot the Renaissance, turning their programming into something safe and profitable during this climate while also staying true to being one of the arts leaders in the Mansfield area.
“We really had nothing to lose,” Thomas said. “It was doable, and thanks to the incredible creativity of our team, (we) put together incredible programming that everybody rose to the occasion (and) worked long hours to make it happen.”
For more information about upcoming shows, visit the Renaissance Theatre website.
