The first two weeks of February were a mad dash to finish up the stage for the Signal Mountain Playhouse winter play production. Black curtains were hung on the back walls of the stage and a valance across the front. Theater doors received a second coat of paint and acoustic panels and window curtains were hung to help with sound. It all came together just in time for the cast to take the stage, and what a thrill it was to have the Signal Mountain Playhouse back at the MACC!
While Harvey was taking place in the theater, we moved our efforts to transforming Room 7 into a waiting room/play area. It’s a light-filled room with a carpeted floor. A seating area takes up half the room, with the play area at the opposite end. A large bookcase displays children’s books and games. A train table and colorful kitchen set and table provide a fun place to play. On the afternoon it was open to parents and siblings, a mom came in and sat in a comfy chair while her son played at the train table and her daughter practiced violin before her lesson. It was perfect!
A couple days later, the MACC was closed due to COVID-19.
Now we wait. Teachers call wondering if there’s a plan to reopen. They’re conflicted. They need the income, but they don’t want to risk anyone getting sick. Parents call wondering about summer camp. We would love to have summer camp, but how do you enforce social distancing with kids?
We are managing to continue work on the building while it’s closed. With one family of volunteers removing drop ceilings, a father/son team installing new drywall, and another two-man crew installing new lights, the front hallways now look amazing! It’s slow going without a lot of people helping, but it’s progress.
While we wait, please, be careful out there. Wear your mask in public, and keep your distance from others. The more careful we all are, the sooner we can get back to business.