Earlier this year, Laura Benanti created the social media hashtag #SunshineSongs to invite students across the country to share videos of the musical performances they weren’t able to give because of the pandemic. When the campaign went viral, Benanti and her friend Kate Detier-Maradei teamed up to bring the student videos to audiences who weren’t likely active on social media but who still were in need of some sunshine, such as children’s hospitals, senior centers, and more. You can share the concerts, join the livestream, or just enjoy the music at sunshinesongs.com. Below is the first of the Sunshine Concerts from May 2.
Inspired by Benanti’s social media campaign, HBO Max has produced the documentary Homeschool Musical: Class of 2020, which will begin streaming December 17 on the service. The documentary centers on the struggles and triumphs of seven theater kids from the class of 2020 as they face the cancellations of their school musicals due to the pandemic, giving them an opportunity to tell their stories and bring their talents to a larger audience.
“Our school shows are more than just entertainment. At the very least, they bring our communities together to revel in the talent of our young artists. At their best, they are a life changing experience that these kids will bring with them into the rest of their lives,” said Benanti. “I am thrilled that the #SunshineSongs initiative has put the spotlight on so many incredible young performers.”