Drozdick wasn’t alone. Armory founder Leah Evans gave herself a challenge. She wrote an estimated 3,000 pages of completed scripts in the last year. She shared these with the community members through online readings. Evans submitted five of the scripts to international competitions. The online format allowed her to write a scene, find people to read it aloud right away and receive feedback immediately.
It was Evans’ fast action that made the last year possible. The day The Tank announced that it was closing its doors along with the rest of New York City, The Armory had their first online Shot4Shot. The momentum never died. After a few months, they started online improv teams. The Armory filled the past year with online readings and games nights.
As of now, The Armory is returning to the live stage. Some online readings, however, are still going on. People are trying to find ways to keep the global outreach that online shows have.
The COVID-19 pandemic hit artists hard. It forced performers to find new outlets with no live audience. The Armory started virtual shows less than two days after their physical theater shut down. Performers and audience members found a new respect for live comedy. As Drozdick put it, “Now it’s just such a pleasure to spend time with the people I care about in whatever capacity is possible.”
