Dear students,

We hope that this message finds you healthy and safe. We’re so looking forward to having you back on campus! Clearly, we wish that we were starting the fall without a global pandemic, but we are anxious to move forward with our academic year as safely as possible.

There are certain to be questions and concerns as we move into the school year. As you know, we are getting new (and conflicting) information daily about COVID-19, and we’re doing our best as a university to create guidelines for the fall semester. It’s important to understand that these guidelines are likely to change as we get additional information or the course of the pandemic changes. We’ll keep you updated as things progress.

 

YOU ARE INVITED!

What: Annual Theatre and Dance Welcome Event

When:  Sunday August 16 from 6:15-6:30

Where:  The Tent Pad – North of Craig Hall

Masks and social distancing required. Sorry – No pizza this year. This will be much shorter than our usual event, but we thought it would be important to gather together (safely) before the semester begins.  

We’ll be sharing exciting news about our department and college. Please attend if you feel comfortable.  

 

Here are some guidelines to be aware of as we begin the semester:

General Guidelines

Follow CDC recommendations: Wear masks, wash hands, sanitize, social distance, don’t come to campus if you are symptomatic. We will post the CDC guidelines throughout Theatre and Dance spaces.

Classes

Face-to-face classes will occur with required masking, social distancing and reduced capacity in classrooms/studios.

Some Theatre and Dance classes have been moved to ONLINE or hybrid delivery.

Some Theatre and Dance classes will be utilizing technologies such as ZOOM in addition to face-to-face instruction (individual instructors will communicate these changes).

Studio spaces and classrooms will be cleaned regularly.

Individual instructors may provide specific guidelines for their courses depending on classroom space, course content, or other factors.

When arriving and departing face-to-face classes, please do not gather in groups outside of classrooms.

Rehearsals/ Production

All productions and projects will be streamed without audiences.

There will be wellness checks prior to all rehearsals/performances/crew calls.

Masks are required during all rehearsals and work calls.

Social Distancing will be practiced whenever possible.

Limited number of cast and crew will be called when possible.

We’ll be examining the tech/dress process to provide a safer environment.

Department Office/Office Hours

Faculty and staff will be encouraged to meet with students via phone or to utilize technologies such as ZOOM.

Whenever possible, forms will be signed electronically.

The department office capacity will be 3 people – including Kathleen and our office assistant.

Ways that you can help our Theatre and Dance community

WEAR A MASK (The Department Office can provide a mask for you if you need one).

Seek medical attention if you are symptomatic/ill, and don’t come to campus.

Wash your hands regularly- practice social distancing – follow C.D.C. COVID-19 Guidelines.

Avoid large gatherings where social distancing/mask requirements aren’t being followed.

Acknowledge that the pandemic is not normal – we will need to make some changes to our lives to get through this – keep calm and carry on.

Practice self-care.

 

We are encouraging you to stay informed about developments in regards to COVID-19 policies on campus and in Springfield using the links below:

https://www.springfieldmo.gov/5068/Coronavirus

https://www.missouristate.edu/Coronavirus/?rel=20200803T1635

 

Looking forward to seeing you!

Be well,

Joseph Price

Department Head

Producer, Tent Theatre

Missouri State Theatre and Dance

jprice@missouristate.edu