TheBurg

24 | THEBURGNEWS.COM | 10.20 " You ask me what audiences can expect." Stuart Landon gives it his best shot. How about fun tales from awesome storytellers, delivered virtually, without a paywall, and in never-before- done formats? "If we have to re-create something anyway, why don't we re-create with our hearts?" said the producing artistic director of Open Stage. In the arts world, fall usually means splashy launches of new seasons. Cooler weather brings the cultural comfort food of thought-provoking plays, glorious symphonies, pulse-quickening concerts and colorful artworks. Oh, that. e fall season is back, but pandemic-style. SAFE AND SAFER While devising a safe return to live theater, Gamut's Artistic Director Clark Nicholson found himself researching hydroxyl generators. "So we're getting a hydroxyl generator that cleans the air," he said. "We got a grant for it!" enthused the budget- minded Executive Director Melissa Nicholson. "You have to sort through what's quackery and what's real," added Clark. "When I first heard about it, I thought, 'Yeah, right.' But it really is viricidal." To boldly go to live performances, Gamut adopted a litany of safety protocols. Actors quarantine in cohorts. Patrons agree to follow the rules, including wearing masks, before they can even buy tickets. Actors are safely distanced from patrons, no longer delivering lines from the aisles. "We're just looking forward to getting back in front of people," Clark said. No matter their exposure to live patrons, organizations are taking precautions. HSO made sure to count Maestro Stuart Malina in the 25-person limit recommended for many gatherings. Susquehanna Art Museum visitors are encouraged to use one restroom, which is cleaned between visits whenever possible. Midtown Cinema's small-group showings are scheduled in staggered starts, to prevent groups from mingling. Midtown Cinema and Open Stage, both managed by Landon, invested in "crazy cleaning stuff," he said. BUILDING A SEASON COVID-19 has disrupted the seasonal rhythm of the arts. "e rules have changed, so it's not just rinse and repeat," said HSO Executive Director Matthew Herren. "Everything is new. We're working overtime to make everything work. e staff has been terrific." Open Stage has "doubled down" on technology to present its virtual season on its own YouTube Channel, said Landon. A new chat moderator keeps conversation going in social media. e Susquehanna Art Museum moved its planned Modernism exhibit from summer to fall, while adapting as works became available or unavailable. "Not much is committed as far as traveling exhibits out there in the world," said Executive Director Alice Anne Schwab. "e best we can do is plan what we can and do it as well as we can." Even while the Art Association opens its doors, it continues to rearrange its yearly calendar. e Vision Gala—the former Bal Masque—was postponed, re- postponed and finally scheduled for March as the A SONG, A DANCE, A MASK is art season is like no other. BY M. DIANE MCCORMICK Susquehanna Art Museum "Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus" by Open Stage. Photos courtesy of Open Stage. FALL ARTS

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