Performance venues have been dark since closures related to the COVID-19 pandemic began in mid-March and are likely to be among the last to reopen.
The closures mean artists who thrive on a live audience are searching for alternatives to perform in a way that allows for social distancing. One example is happening weekly in empty shopping center parking lots around San Diego, as stand-up comics put on a drive-up open mic.
“Doing an open mic is kind of crazy right now because nobody can do open mics," said Jim Pine, who is producing shows for Drive Up Comedy. Pine is part of a group that puts on shows in San Diego and Los Angeles. Recently, Drive Up Comedy set up in front of an empty gym in Kearny Mesa.
"We’re using an FM transmitter to transmit to everybody’s cars,” Pine said.
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Drive Up Comedy is an example of the comedy community adapting to restrictions brought on by the pandemic. Comedy clubs around the country are putting on virtual shows through platforms like Zoom. Some of the comedians taking part in the Drive Up Comedy open mic said virtual shows can help performers hone their routine, but can't match the dynamic of a live crowd.
"Those Zoom shows just aren't the same," said San Diego-based comedian Alan Henderson. "It's fun because you're practicing saying the material, but I don't think it's going to benefit you when there's a real show."
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Pro wrestlers are another group of performers looking for alternative venues during the COVID-19 pandemic. In recent weeks, F.I.S.T. Combat, a San Diego-based wrestling promotion, hosted drive up shows in Mira Mesa. One of the stars is a wrestler named Dirty Ron McDonald, who also performs at Drive Up Comedy.
“Wrestling and comedy both need a live audience," McDonald said. "The entertainment is a manipulation of emotions. So you need an audience there to manipulate their emotions.”
Health and safety are considerations for both Drive Up Comedy and F.I.S.T. Combat. The wrestling show provides face coverings for those who want to watch from outside of their cars. At Drive Up Comedy, Jim Pine sanitizes and swaps out microphones between each comedian's set. Performers also say there is a mental health element in finding ways to socialize and express their art during a stressful time.
“A lot of the wrestlers and the people who came to the show were like, 'this is the first time I’ve done anything in two months,'” McDonald said.
“To them, it’s just been this moment when they can take a breath again," Pine said. "I get people that come here, they’re a little nervous and when they leave the stage they want a hug. Because they’re like, I feel like a human again.”
Drive Up Comedy is free to attend and accepts donations. F.I.S.T Combat charges an admission for its drive up shows and suggests a donation for its livestream.
