Why we host virtual events? [Because the majority of you don't]

I want to start off by saying this - I know we're not the only organisation in the UK who puts on virtual events. But sometimes, it bloody feels like it.

Last week, we had a conversation with another disability organisation who seemed adament that virtual options were "not the proper way of doing things"...

Nevermind, infections are at an all time high. Long COVID means people are battling exhaustion. And some people are carers, housebound or suffering from the cost of living. Virtual events have never been more important.

And this is not the first time this has been said to us, whether it has been in a performing capacity, through protesting or casual gatherings. However, I thought we'd double up a call out with a bit of education.

So here are some of the responses we've had and here's our "official" response:

A: We don’t have enough experience

Our response: Virtual events have been there for those are at home for many years. During the first lockdown, organisations provided this option for a while before immediately taking this option away.

That being said, many people ARE doing the work and have offered to educate individuals on how to host an online performance but it’s been refused. Is it about experience or about something else...

A: We don’t have enough interest


Our response: You would be surprised how many people would attend an online event. We recognise that you have to work against the algorithm but there is a cohort of people who can’t access in person events: disabled people who are housebound, people who are poor, those with caring responsibilities etc. 
That’s why they have been our priority

A: Online events are not our priority

Our response: This tells us a lot about who you are as an organisation (or as an individual). Not providing a virtual option excludes a whole group of people who can’t access in person events.

A: It’s not an effective/”proper” way to perform

Our response: We have managed to host successful performances for the past five year. And not just us, many other organisations.

My favourite "suggestion" (it was said in a slightly aggressive, maybe racist tone but I know how white people don't like to be called racist so I'll leave that alone) was: “what do you mean by think bigger”?

We mean, think outside cultural norms. Yes, typically performances happen on a stage; what if they happened in bed? Or in the bath?
Have you watched a theatre performance on Zoom done with multiple actors, using green screens as their set design?

There are so many ways to host performances (and gatherings), think outside the box - think bigger.