“Normally, this theatre is filled with families and school children on trips and it is a little weird not to have anyone here. It definitely feels like there’s an energy that’s lacking,” says Tracy Snyder, of Theatre of Youth.

Because of COVID-19, Buffalo’s Theatre of Youth can’t yet have live, in-person productions, but they still want people to be able to enjoy shows from their own homes.

To solve this, Theatre of Youth has teamed up with Second Generation Theatre to create an interactive, digital musical for children called “Once Upon a Time.”

“Actors definitely have a challenge when it comes to switching from being in a house of this size to suddenly being on a digital screen. It’s really about your voice and really becoming those characters,” adds Snyder.

Actors from both theatre groups have been working on developing their characters in Once Upon a Time, which is a modern take on classic fairy tales.

“But instead of the usual story, it’s really about the heroes of those stories, discovering their own inner strength and embracing who they are,” says Kelly Copps, of Second Generation Theatre Company.

The goal is to make the audience feel like they’re a part of the show.

“Instead of just another digital offering, when we’re all Zoomed out, it’s interactive in that the characters are live every time, so they’re looking to you the audience for your participation,” explains Copps.

Shows will be playing during the month of February. For more information, click here.