High school drama students won’t be heading to the theatre at Port Moody’s Heritage Woods secondary this week for their annual METFest.
Rather, because of the pandemic, Tri-City students will record their one-act plays, of which the videos will be voted on by METFest participants and teachers.
Nicole Roberge, drama teacher at Riverside secondary, which uploaded its production last week featuring 24 hours in grades 11 and 12, said awards will be handed out internally before a judge reviews the recordings in May 2021. In the past, one school represented School District 43 in the provincial competition, held at Douglas College.
Roberge said while schools across B.C. won’t gather next spring, SD43 is making the most with its modified METFest run, providing videos that have multiple cameras, and augmented audio and editing.
“We'll have a website dedicated to these uploads and our ongoing festival in response to the pandemic experience,” Roberge told the Tri-City News, adding, “Teachers can bring their students together to watch and learn from the streamed pieces or assign the viewing for at home.”
Roberge said the online content will give drama teachers an opportunity to talk about acting, directing and production happening in other SD43 secondaries.
“We'll have the chance to teach our students about thoughtful critique and respectful dialogue,” she said.
Student participants will receive swag items including METFest face masks.
