Personality Profile: Petricia Hall

Petricia Hall’s eclectic style and joyful demeanor distinguish her as a patron of the arts. Always decked out in an assortment of vintage items, Hall is an assuredly creative individual.

Before the pandemic began, Hall, a senior theatre performance major and journalism minor, participated in many productions at both KU and in local community theatre. She had no idea that when she stepped off the stage before spring break, it would be her last performance for over a year.

Spring break at the University of Kansas was followed by an additional week off before the announcement that classes would be cancelled for the semester. Two productions, Indecent and Urinetown: The Musical, were cancelled as well. 

Hall’s coursework has changed significantly since then. In theatre performance, being in person is everything. It’s difficult for her to learn and connect with other students during a Zoom class. Plus, it’s not easy to act off of someone whose wifi is causing a 5 second delay.

“I had to do Zoom improv,” she said. “It was terrible.”

Hall plans to join her friends in New York City after graduation. After a year of dashed dreams and cancelled performances, she feels there’s nothing to lose by stepping out of her comfort zone. She’s giving herself the summer to decide if she’d rather be closer to family and stay in Lawrence or Kansas City.

To stay sane, Hall took time to enjoy nature and exercise. Hall enjoys roller-skating and walks around town. She said she was remarkably happy when she had all the time in the world for self-care and relaxation. But, since returning to school, making time for those healthy habits has been difficult. She tries her best to continue exercising, but school and work take up the majority of her schedule.

Losing her sense of community at KU was particularly difficult for Hall. When you’re producing a show, there’s a bond of trust within the group. The performers and crew rely on each other, and the backstage time is fun too. After classes were cancelled for the spring semester, Hall spent a portion of quarantine living alone after her roommates moved home to stay with their families over the break.

“It was definitely an adjustment,” said Hall. “But I actually learned to enjoy it.”

Staying in contact with friends and loved ones is crucial for Hall. Because she couldn’t visit her in person, Hall and her grandmother who lives in Salina began corresponding through letters during the pandemic. She also reaches out to friends she can’t see in person to check in.

Though in-person theatre is not back on its feet, Hall has participated in livestream theatre. All the shows in this year’s KU theatre season have been presented digitally.

Ever the optimist, Hall has faith that 2022 will be a bright year for performers. Though she lost out on shows, classes, and a year of normalcy, Hall is excited to get back to work.

“My drive is still there,” she said. “Maybe even more than before.”

By Meaghan Boyd

April 2021