OTC – The Friday Show
Options Theatre Company
goes online with the Friday Show
Options Theatre Company has been successfully delivering a new online program, the Friday Show.
In March 2020, Options Theatre Company was forced to close its regular programs due to the social distancing requirements of COVID-19. This was a difficult time for everyone and the Creative Team at Options Theatre Company immediately set a plan into action to deliver its program online.
The team began writing, filming, editing and producing a new OTC Online program called, the Friday Show. The show content was designed to emulate the normal experience at Options Theatre Company and give our ensemble an opportunity to reconnect.
An online Social Learning Platform was developed and this was utilised to allow participants to connect and interact via a Private Online Group and a moderated Online Chat Group.
Episode One of the Friday Show went LIVE on Friday 3 April, 2020 and presented a range of engaging and interactive segments allowing participants to take part in fun activities presented by familiar faces.
Hosted by Artistic Director, Stuart Smith and Musical Director, Andrew Sampford, the Friday Show featured warm ups, music, dance, singing, instructional learning, show rehearsals and design time segments which provided activities and projects for our participants to create during the week while they were at home in lockdown.
Season One of the Friday Show included four episodes culminating in an epic Season Finale shot on location. There was an overwhelming demand for the Friday Show to continue and participants and their families were commenting that they loved the Friday Show.
Season Two of the Friday Show launched on Friday 8 May, 2020. A new interactive episode went LIVE every Friday. Each episode was designed to tackle some of the issues caused by COVID-19 such as Isolation, Boredom, Anxiety and Depression.
The Friday Show segments contained messages of hope with music, songs, dance and design activities which were aimed at providing, social well-being, mental stimulation, inclusion, physical fitness and fun, while explaining and demonstrating the importance of Social Distancing and hand sanitising.
The Friday Show segments included:
- Warm Ups (Vocal and Body)
- Dance rehearsals (for upcoming show)
- Drama lessons (dramatic read techniques, monologues, performance rehearsals)
- Singing Lessons (featuring Music Scores by Andrew Sampford)
- Design Time (craft and design challenges with Lauren & Joseph)
- Evening ZOOM Master Classes (filmed and used as show content)
- Caro’s Classic Choreography Collections (classic dance videos shared by OTC Choreographer, Carolyn McNamara)
- Locked Inside My Home (featuring feedback and questions and showcasing design work and videos from participants)
- Cool Downs & Guided Meditations
(designed to relieve stress and tension) - Epic Cinematic Season Finale
(shot on location featuring drone footage & special effects) - Friday Show ZOOM Party (Participants joined a ZOOM Dance Party)
Special Guest Segments included:
- Julia Morris (Vocal warm up)
- Sam Neill (Video Message)
- Michael Beckley (Acting Tips)
- Trent Baines (Dramatic Reads)
- Josephine Emmett (Singing tuition)
- Shane Emmett (Film tips on iPhone)
- David Symes (Harry Potter Cast)
- Josh Horner (Dancing with the Stars)
- Nikk Carmichael (Sound FX for movies)
- Andrew Godbold (Facial Expressions)
- Zach Smith (Disney Artist – drawing lesson)
The Friday Show has been a shining light in the darkness of lockdown and has had a flow on effect by keeping our staff engaged and productive. It has supported the mental health and well-being of many people, relieving boredom and helping our participants to stay connected, engaged and active.
Plans are currently underway to continue the Friday Show with our participants starring in the show as they return to Options Theatre Company.
Options Theatre Company is an initiative of
Options Disability Support
For more information about Options Theatre Company, visit our website optionstheatrecompany.org.au.
Media Contact: Please direct all Media enquiries to: info@otc.org.au