With a stay-at-home order in effect in Greater Philadelphia since March 23 —and the federal government now extending social distancing guidelines through April 30—cultural and entertainment institutions have gotten creative in their efforts to reach homebound audiences and keep business afloat. Perhaps we can learn a thing or two from them as we apply virtual tools to stay connected and productive in our own day-to-day work and lives. A few examples include:
Theatre Horizon has launched “Horizon at Home” virtual programming to keep audiences engaged and artists employed. The free online videos, which include sing-alongs for children, stage makeup tutorials and musical theater dance classes, are available on the theater’s YouTube and Facebook channels.
Elmwood Park Zoo launched EPZoo2U.com to provide free videos, live streams, games and lessons. The zoo broadcasts “Zoo School Live!” via Facebook every weekday at 11 a.m., during which the zoo’s education team presents a lesson on one of their animals. Viewers can post questions during the live stream. Online “distance learning” sessions are now available for $25.
Each weekday at 3 p.m., The Franklin Institute’s Chief Bioscientist Jayatri Das, PhD, provides a daily update on the COVID-19 virus via Facebook Live.
The Metropolitan Opera is streaming complete performances from the past 14 years on their website and through their mobile app (Met Opera on Demand).
Although not new, Museum of the American Revolution offers digital resources including a virtual field trip, 360-degree virtual museum tour and digital text archives. Check out the upcoming Virtual Spring Break with the Museum event, April 6-17, which will feature at-home crafts, virtual story times, “Artisans at Home” living history demonstrations, live Q&As with museum staff and more.
As for Madison Concrete, we are moving forward taking steps to ensure the health and safety of our valued employees, partners and clients. Let us know how we can help, during this unprecedented time.