Returning to (somewhat) normal operations amidst a pandemic has come as a slow trickle for most people.

But the wait has been especially long for performers who thrive in the very environment that people have been avoiding for the past 18 months. They’ve spent their lives striving for those moments on the stage, in the zone in front of a live audience.

Undeniably, the shutdowns and the repeated cancellations have caused mental and physical side effects for performers along the North Coast.

In May, an Actors Fund survey of 7,163 performing arts and entertainment professionals found that 79% of people reported COVID-19 negatively impacted their mental health and led to increased feelings of anxiety or depression, symptoms of stress and a decreased ability to cope with economic uncertainty.

This weekend on the North Coast, many of the performers who have dealt with recurring cancellations are scheduled to return to the stage. The Coaster Theatre in Cannon Beach will debut weekend performances of a shortened version of “The Picture of Dorian Gray.”

Folk singer Tom May will perform to a live audience at the Peninsula Performing Arts Center on the Long Beach Peninsula after four previous cancellations.

The venues are taking health and safety precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. In this week’s issue of Coast Weekend, you’ll find extensive coverage about the measures being taken to protect the health of performers and audience members attending indoor events.

As you shape your plans for your North Coast weekend, I hope you find this information helpful to make the best decision for your and your family. If you’re a performer returning to a live audience this weekend, “break a leg,” it’s your time to shine!