The Performing Arts Festival set to take place in April will now be held virtually. The committee responsible for bringing the festival to fruition came to that decision last week as the numbers of COVID-19 cases continue to surge in the Rainy River District.
With the cancellation of the 2020 festival, the committee had more time to plan out a virtual platform, similar to other meetings, celebrations, graduations and weddings have transformed, since COVID-19 forced restrictions on gatherings.
Cynthia Donald, festival co-chair, said this year will showcase talents around the district with applicants being able to make three entries in vocals, piano and drama. Entries in English, French and Ojibwe are accepted.
“We were all concerned that we wouldn’t be able to do a full festival, but we thought we still want to keep the spirit of it there,” Donald said. “The committee members felt that we could handle a [virtual festival]. Hopefully we’ll be able to come back next year.”
Submissions this year are to be made online. In order to make an entry, Donald said participants should film themselves and send the videos with the application for assessment by the judges. Vetting the videos is important in order to make sure the content is appropriate and to avoid repetitive submissions, Donald added.
When videos are sent, the committee which consists of eight members will watch the entries and compile a video to be posted to YouTube for each division.
With that, Donald said the committee does not expect applicants to rent professional studios to record their pieces. A basic amateur video shot in the living room showcasing their talent will suffice, she added.
In previous years, participants had the choice to be competitive or uncompetitive. This year’s virtual contest will only be uncompetitive with no awards given because it will be hard for adjudicators to judge, Donald said.
However, thank you notes will be sent to sponsors who support the festival each year.
“Because this year’s festival is virtual and non-competitive, we’re not going to be giving out awards. It’s not a contest. It’s just something that we can have because music students always are working towards a goal. Obviously some are private goals, but the majority of them want to perform and get feedback.”
The Performing Arts Festival has been running for 80 years, with the youngest participant being four and the oldest over 60. Participants come from all over the Rainy River District and across the Rainy River in International Falls.
Submission dates and deadlines will be kept similar to last year’s. For more information, and to download registration forms, syllabus and resource manuals, visit https://ff-festival.com.
