The Jayhawk Theatre: Finding Opportunity in Uncertainty

Photos by Emma Highfill, Rose Wheat Photography

When the pandemic hit in March, theatres around the world went dark. But at least one Topeka stage is fighting to stay in the spotlight.

While the Jayhawk Theatre remains indefinitely closed to audiences, it recently debuted a new live stream offering that allows patrons to enjoy the historic stage from the safety of their homes. Called Jayhawk Theatre Live, the service is helping the organization remain relevant while adding a new offering to their repertoire.

“We started talking about it in late May, when it became pretty obvious that entertainment across the globe is at a standstill,” explained Jeff Carson, president of the Board of Directors of The Jayhawk Theatre. “Because we don’t have salaries to worry about, we found the freedom to make this change.”

Looking to attract nonprofits and businesses whose 2020 events are on the chopping block, Jayhawk Theatre Live offers organizations an alternate way to deliver a keynote speaker, host an auction or provide entertainment.

“We can create something engaging,” Carson said. “An event held on our stage that shows off the beauty of the theatre will help people enjoy the experience a lot more than a Zoom meeting.”

On top of figuring out ticketing, marketing and programming, the Jayhawk team also had to think through how to uphold COVID-19 health and safety guidelines. All performers (except singers) wear masks, and band members are kept six feet apart.

Despite their careful planning, the current environment makes any type of performance uncertain.

“We’re at the mercy of people who might be onboard this week, but in two weeks may not be interested in performing in our space because of COVID,” Carson explained.

For that reason, marketing around Jayhawk Theatre Live started out slow, but Carson said the more events they get under their belt, the more they’ll ramp up.

Beyond business events and entertainment, Carson said he would love to see Jayhawk Theatre Live be a backdrop for racial conversations.

“Topeka is kind of ground central for freedom and equality,” Carson said, citing organizations like the Equality House and the Brown vs. Board of Education National Historic Site. “I think we could have real, meaningful community conversations and bring very big speakers on our stage.”

If Jayhawk Theatre Live succeeds as a virtual venue, Carson said live streaming could be a permanent offering, catering to those living outside Topeka, or unable to leave their homes.

“I think people are going to find it’s a very credible form of entertainment,” Carson said. “If we figure it out now, we’ll be poised to be in the business of live stream forever.”

In any case, the Jayhawk’s post pandemic pivot may help the theatre draw a larger audience when it’s safe to reopen its doors.

“There have been pandemics before. And they always end eventually,” said Carson. “We need to be ready as a community, so once this is over, we can get back to the business of being a vibrant place to live.”