The coronavirus pandemic is forcing all New Jerseyans to think outside the box when it comes to work and entertainment. And this is especially true when it comes to the theater industry.

Artists and actors have had to use their imaginations in some pretty extraordinary ways to continue their craft during the pandemic – including using a fire escape as a stage.

“And immediately it hit us that these fire escapes could be venues that we never dreamt of,” says Gabor Barabas of the New Jersey Repertory Company.

COVID-19 is keeping the Long Branch theater dank and without an audience.

“Obviously the pandemic breeds new ideas. And in its ironic way creates new opportunities,” says Barabas.

When the company acquired a former school to turn into its West End Arts Center, it built new fire escapes. The theater now believes that these fire escapes can be a good place to stage short plays with a drive-in audience in the parking lot.

NJ Rep is asking playwrights to send in plays with casts of three actors or less who could be safely distanced on the outdoor stairs – a unique way to provide entertainment in a pandemic world.