Bridgewater, Va. – Bridgewater College’s Pinion Players club arrange for their first live theatre performance since before COVID-19. Cast and crew members alike are actively preparing for the opening of “Today is My Birthday.” 

Due to the pandemic, all theatre productions have been virtual or live-streamed since March 2020.

“I’m very excited for the opportunity to have our first live audience since the pandemic,” said junior Maggie Hodnett, who is also the stage manager.

The play is told through a series of voicemails, radio bits and phone calls and all actors are on stage throughout the entire show.

“Because of how the story is told, the sound cues are really funny,” said senior Kylee Lorio. “The hardest thing about the show is that it is hard to focus sometimes.”

The play has brought cast members the opportunity to branch out and try something new.

“I’ve learned a lot of new things. It’s my first time being a stage manager, so I’ve had to learn a lot, but I’ve enjoyed the experience,” said Hodnett.

“My favorite thing about the show is that my characters are a lot different from the ones I’ve played in the past,” said Lorio.

It has been a rewarding process for all involved to see how far the production has come since the first rehearsal.

“It’s been really cool seeing everything come together,” said Lorio.

“It’s definitely been a lot of fun seeing it from the beginning all the way to production week, so I’m excited,” said Hodnett.

The show will be held in Cole Hall at 8 p.m. from Oct. 27 to Oct. 30. Bridgewater College students, faculty and staff can see the show for free with a BC ID.