“All the world’s a stage.” William Shakespeare.

At BV West, the stage is only half lit. Without live performances and concerts to prepare for, the Performing Arts students and teachers are faced with new challenges.

Many people have their own opinions about the decision made by the school to not hold live performances, showcases, or concerts.

While some people are satisfied with where the Performing Arts stand within the school, others feel that they do not receive the recognition they hope for.

“The performing arts should definitely receive more recognition because we put so much time and effort into producing the best shows and performances. I don’t feel like our place in BVW is highlighted enough,” junior Cooper Holmes said.

Some feel that sports at our school receive more recognition than the Performing Arts. While the athletics are allowed an audience and in person practices, the arts do not have the same privileges.

“Knowing that other activities are still in session live, excluding Performing Arts, is a bit disappointing,” junior Gracie Hernandez said. “I would be fine with taking precautions into account during rehearsals, as the other activities are doing as well. If they are taking precautions and are able to proceed should mean we would be able to as well.”

While some believe the risks are too high for the school to hold a live performance, others have argued back and have proposed different ideas on how the school could allow the Performing Arts to have an audience.

“When having a live audience you could make sure people are distanced. You could do this by leaving a two seat gap in between each group of people,” sophomore Analiese Lovell said. “Also, it would be easy for the performers to wear masks and social distance on stage. However, in sports, there is a lot of physical contact so there is a much higher risk of someone getting COVID-19.”

Most understand the risks involved with holding a live performance, but they also feel that the school should allow for compromise.

“It’s really unfortunate but also understandable due to the high chances of spreading covid if someone has it. I do think we should compromise though,” senior Ashley Waruinigi said.

Performances allow students to engage in a social activity where they share the same interests and enjoyment together. Without performances, students will not be able to have the opportunity to watch students their age performing.

“I think that not having a show or a concert for people to come and watch will discourage them from wanting to join performing arts,” Lovell said.

For some, having live performances and in-person experiences is what allows them to enjoy what they do and reminds them of why they chose to do it.

“Without in-person experiences it causes me to lose my passion for the arts,” sophomore Will Smith said.

Most respect the decision of the school, but some question that if athletics are allowed to have an audience and play together, should the Performing Arts be allowed the same opportunities?

“If someone’s high risk or lives in a high risk family, then I think their risks should definitely outweigh the benefits,” sophomore Delainey Seibert said. “But, I think that if it’s safe for football players to play football together, then we should be able to do live performances on stage with masks on.”

The double-standard of allowing sports, fall sports were also allowed spectators, has students questioning the fairness of the live event moratorium.