We’ve been checking in with members of our Canadian Opera Company family to find out how they’re keeping busy at home during this time of physical distancing. From their latest Netflix binge to testing new recipes to establishing a work-from-home routine, they’ll share what keeps them grounded and entertained.
Sharon Ryman – COC Wigs & Make-up Supervisor
Prepping for Our Return to the StageI've been working at home since March 15, since there’s still a lot of planning for our return to the stage. I decided to finish the wig I’d been working on for Marjorie Owens, who was supposed to play Senta in
The Flying Dutchman. If we ever remount this production in the future, we’ll need it, and if not, it will make a good stock wig for our collection.
Playing Dress-Up My partner and I even had a bit of fun testing out
Dutchman makeup on ourselves, to celebrate what would have been opening night on May 1. Our neighbor shot the photos with her long lens.
Here I am as Senta, with Peter as the Dutchman.
Haircut Tutorials With hair salons and barbers still closed, I wanted to help by creating a tutorial video for how to cut men’s hair. Peter was, once again, an excellent model!
Keeping Up Routines I am trying to keep sane by keeping up a daily routine. All of us in the Production department have our collective thinking caps on and are working on new ways of working in a post-COVID world. I have set up a small work space in my craft room and it’s quite comfortable to work at. And I'm very much a “list person”, so I make a list every day no matter how small or trivial the things are on it.
Exercise and Yoga Exercise has been helping a lot. I start each day with a breathing and meditation practice.
My Yoga studio, Mosaic Yoga, has virtual classes every day, or there’s a Barre practice I can join. Peter and I also try to get out for at least a half hour walk each day.
Photo credits: All photos courtesy of Sharon Ryman; Sharon as “Senta” and Peter as “Dutchman,” photo: Nancy Rahija
