WACsmash 2021: [Reconfigured]

WACsmash: [Reconfigured] marks the 21st iteration of WACsmash. Due to the pandemic and the current health restrictions, we have shifted our production to an online platform. We wanted to continue providing a platform for our choreographers and artists alike, and this platform allowed for choreographers to be challenged in unique and exciting ways.

Having to shift our production to an online platform was a heavy decision that we had to make. The WACsmash experience was known for its late night rehearsals at Kaufman, the tech runs with Arsenio and Ginger, and the huddles before showtime backstage. But despite the lack of in-person connection, our choreographers and artists were determined to create our own virtual “Rainbow Lounge.” Rehearsals took place on Zoom and the choreographic process was digitized. Our efforts in producing this year’s WACsmash focuses on bringing our department together, unified by our love for the arts and performance. 

The name [Reconfigured] summarizes the process of this year’s production where the producers, choreographers, and artists transformed traditionally live art into the digital sphere. While online production posed its own limitations, our production broke boundaries and challenged our creativity. In this year’s production, we strove to highlight interdisciplinary works that brought a myriad of artists together. The investigations in new directions for performance and art propels us forward into the new normal for our peers.