What do you do when a global pandemic triggers shelter in place orders and prevents gatherings of any size? You pivot. Your season may be canceled but thank goodness for the internet and the ability to stay connected with patrons and donors through virtual formats.

Here are a few examples of arts organizations that have done just that.

Click for a May 10 editorial piece in the Dallas Morning News by Emily Levin, principal harpist for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Emily wrote to her colleagues asking their interest in putting together a virtual orchestra performance. The rest, as they say, is history. YouTube link to Ravel’s Le Jardin Féerique (The Fairy Garden) performed by 23 members of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.

Turtle Creek Chorale’s season was cut short due to the coronavirus but that didn’t stop the group from debuting “Why We Sing” in conjunction with the May 5 North Texas Giving Tuesday Now campaign. The video is a strong reminder of the beauty of Turtle Creek Chorale’s voices at a time when many folks are struggling to find their footing. YouTube link to “Why We Sing.”

Click for a May 27 feature in Arts & Seek on AT&TPAC@Home series that brings the arts to your house. Content is presented on the AT&TPAC@homeYouTube channel and includes free arts education programs for high schools and Disney Musical in Schools that teaches musical theater to elementary students. There are drawing and dance classes, conversations with artists, and behind the scenes looks at all that happens backstage during performances.

PLAY- PERVIEW is a live-streaming theatre initiative that presents one-time only, live-streamed shows and readings into people’s homes. Viewers purchase tickets to these Broadway, Off Broadway, and Off Off Broadway shows. Proceeds from the ticket sales are directed to arts organizations impacted by COVID-19.

These are but a few examples of performing arts groups that are showing their creative sides in new and inventive ways. What would you add?

Photo by Rob Laughter @roblaughter.