Gone are the days when we saw the performance space on day one. Safety first, and it requires careful planning for safety, as zones are controlled for tracing, and teams are tremendously reduced. On my fourth day, I am finally allowed to see the Cullen Theatre, the home of HGO Digital– Sarah and Ernest Butler Performance Series . I’d forgotten the magic of walking on a new space. Love it!

HGO Digital. You will see it on a screen, but we work on a theatre, that has been carefully mapped for the occasion: designers, production, supporting teams: all working together but now far away. A lonely stage manager. Whatever it takes, but we keep working. My right hands will not be on my right, and actually, one will be in NYC.

Four cameras, the closest one to stage and the performers on a mechanical rail. Support on stage will be behind new plastic walls during tech, but only performers when we finally tape.I will not be looking at the stage, but at a huge screen with all the camara shots. So many new aspects to keep in mind – and “cross stage left” has become “pan right”. I know I will be engaged in a screen and a proscenium at the same time. All new and exciting, so no fear at sight.

Once done, there will be no applause: and that will be hard for the performers. We techies are used to back stage. But still: a LIVE show is a triangle: back stage, on stage, and the audience. We’ve lost the audience, and it’s hard to ignore that flat line. Once done, we will keep working and editing. And the premiere will happen 2 weeks later. With everyone on their own house.

There will be no main down, and no screams and hugs behind it. We will take a remote and turn our TV off. Silence will follow. It’s a brave new world. Can I tell you how much I am adoring those who have not given up?