Theater group offers activities for kids
The Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre offers live pop-up classes for kids (and adults who want to join in) daily at 2 p.m. five days a week at facebook.com.btcivic. The sessions tend run from 25 to 35 minutes and have covered topics such as “Breathing Techniques and Vocal Warm-Ups,” dialects, bunraku poetry (a variation on Japanese Kabuki theatre), improvisation and stage make-up. Future classes include “Today in Broadway History” and “Storytime Live.” Past classes can be found by scrolling down the Facebook page. A current schedule is online at civictheatre.org/pop-up-classes. Each class has a recommended age level, but on the internet, no one knows your age. So adults, don’t feel sheepish about joining your child in the fun. Additionally, every Sunday at 2 p.m. on the group’s Facebook page, all ages can take a tap class with Anne Beck. All classes are free of charge, and no registration is required.
Bird sanctuary remains open
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CONNERSVILLE — Although all indoor facilities at the property are currently closed, the Indiana Audubon Society’s Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary, 3499 S. Bird Sanctuary Road, remains open for hiking and outdoor meditation during the COVID-19 impact. Visitors are welcome to practice social distancing on the preserve’s many trails as signs of spring are beginning to appear. Visitors are encouraged to practice Leave No Trace principles, including pack-in and pack-out, to keep outdoor spaces safe and healthy. To learn more about the preserve or to donate, visit Indiana Audubon on the web at indianaaudubon.org.
Performers find a new audience online
The Live From Home Open Stage Facebook group is yet another example of creativity filling a need in the community as a result of the stay-at-home orders now in place across the country. It is moderated by a group that includes some Shelbyville-area musicians: Wayne Cash, DL Sanders, Trish Shelton, Scot Shrader, Ryan Stewart, Andrea Swanson and Gregory Weathers. They have created a place where performers — professional or novice — can sing or play music to an audience of the world. I tuned in on Thursday evening in time to hear Jaison Baker from Fishers singing “Old Town Road” and “Folsom Prison Blues” live as the young son of one of the band members danced to the music down in front. The live performances allow for watch-party style comments in the right sidebar, and some performers share their e-money Venmo account numbers in hopes of garnering donations. (We need to remember that the gig-economy workers are hurting, too.) After less than three weeks in existence, the group has accumulated more than 49,000 members, a number that would be expected to grow as word of the group spreads.
