COVID-19 Closures: High School Student Actor Aubrey Solum (Florida)

The COVID-19 pandemic continues change the world as we know it. As closures and performance cancellations have put actors out of school and work, I’ve been reaching out to the artists affected. Here are their stories.

I’m Aubrey Solum, and I’m a sophomore at a performing arts magnet high school in Sarasota, FL, studying theatre for 3 hours of my school day.

Ever since I was 9 years old, I have wanted nothing more than to be accepted into this high school. It is the most phenomenal place with some of the most talented, driven, and passionate people I’ll ever know. This environment constantly pushes me to grow not only as a performer, but as a human being. I feel empty not being surrounded by that at the moment, and not knowing when we will go back. I miss my friends, teachers, and classes more than anything.

The fact that I may never see the seniors walking through the hallways again shatters my heart. The fact that I may not see my friends until September is hard to imagine. I was living my dream every single day and that was all taken away in the blink of an eye.

I understand how many students are in the same position as myself, and I’d like to offer up some advice. Despite school being closed, dance studios putting a hold on classes, and auditions being cancelled, does NOT mean you have to stop creating. Use this opportunity to study. Read plays. Subscribe to BroadwayHD. Update your audition book. Dance for your enjoyment. Listen to cast albums. Find something that creatively fulfills you. I’m using this time to expand my knowledge, grow my side hustle business, and learn to find joy in the waiting.