Digital Solutions to Applied Theatre in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 has become an unpopular term, one that is associated with shattered happiness and wellbeing, loss, pain, grief and isolation. The pandemic separated us of our loved ones, isolated us from our neighbours and alienated us from our communities. Artists such as actors, storytellers, puppeteers, musicians, singers, giggling (clown) doctors, and magicians for children were not allowed to visit hospitals at that time (unfortunately this is still the case here in the UK) due to strict, but understandable, hospital controls. As a result, the facilitation of bedside interactive and participatory arts-based activities in hospitals became impossible. Loneliness increased and life had to pause, for a while. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental and emotional health of children and young people is of serious concern (Meherali et al. 2021). The pan-demic has created an increased demand for new tools and methods of accessing and supporting vulnerable children’s emotional needs such as anxiety and de-pression. Ciara Conlon et al. (2021) argue that the pandemic and public health restrictions have had an adverse impact on children’s health and psychosocial wellbeing, particularly for those with chronic conditions. As pandemics and endemics continue around the world, it is important to develop an understanding of how to support children’s emotional wellbeing during times of crisis.