Syracuse’s Shakespeare in the Park chose “Much to Do About Nothing” five years ago, so they couldn’t have predicted what theater would look like today.

"We are the only live show in town, the only life theater show is happening right here," said Ronnie Bell, executive director of the production.

From Broadway to local theater productions, COVID-19 has been hard on the art world.

Bell says theater companies are struggling to float or going under, but the audience says they’re hungry for theater.

Executive Director Ronnie Bells says thanks to donors, volunteers and dedicated community members, the show has gone on.

Operating at 25 percent capacity, community members are showing support, even when they’re turned away.

"The fifty-first [walk-in audience member] can still see the show but they have to do it behind the gate," Bell added.

Joshua Felver and his kids chose to watch behind the gate.

"It’s a community activity coming together to see people in our community performing art together and to do it in the safe way," said Felver.

Bell says even though the art world is taking a hit, he sees positivity in the community supporting the arts. And he predicts a wave of good coming when the pandemic is over.

"I think we’ll see a big rush of artistic endeavors once this is over because they have no place to go now. But now they’re writing, right now while we’re talking, they’re writing, they’re painting," Bell said.

He says it was the bubonic plague during Shakespeare’s time, but like then, he predicts art will come from the ashes of COVID-19.

If you’re interested in donating, Bell says CNY Arts and The Central New York Community is collecting COVID-19 funds and distributing those funds to people that need them.