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“In the Time of COVID-19”

is a set of audio and digital stories highlighting the experiences of people whose lives have changed dramatically during the pandemic.
This project was produced in July 2020 in partnership with Oregon Public Broadcasting in Portland and conducted virtually. Our reporters are students and recent graduates in Oregon.

From the stage to Zoom

Theater student takes lessons from COVID with her to college

 

When Summit High School’s spring production was abruptly interrupted by the coronavirus pandemic, teacher Lara Okamoto and student Maya Gardner had to get creative with how to perform online and keep the safe space for students. They cancelled their live show and instead produced a Shakespeare Cabaret over Zoom, giving Gardner experience with virtual performances before facing new realities in college theatre.

By Hanna Merzbach

From the stage to Zoom

Theater student takes lessons from COVID with her to college

 

When Summit High School’s spring production was abruptly interrupted by the coronavirus pandemic, teacher Lara Okamoto and student Maya Gardner had to get creative with how to perform online and keep the safe space for students. They cancelled their live show and instead produced a Shakespeare Cabaret over Zoom, giving Gardner experience with virtual performances before facing new realities in college theatre.

By Hanna Merzbach

Portland chef volunteers to feed the needy

What it takes to cook through a pandemic

The global pandemic has had a huge impact on the service industry in Oregon, especially in Portland, a city known for its lively food scene. In April, a survey conducted by the National Restaurant Association found 81% of Oregon restaurant workers have been laid off or furloughed as a result of the pandemic.

By Nick Gibson

Portland chef volunteers to feed the needy

What it takes to cook through a pandemic

The global pandemic has had a huge impact on the service industry in Oregon, especially in Portland, a city known for its lively food scene. In April, a survey conducted by the National Restaurant Association found 81% of Oregon restaurant workers have been laid off or furloughed as a result of the pandemic.

By Nick Gibson

Pacific Islanders in Oregon experience disproportionate rates of COVID-19

'Our community has been in constant mourning'

Policies have made it difficult for many Micronesian migrants to access social safety nets like unemployment insurance and healthcare exacerbating the pandemic’s impact on this community. Joe Enlet, a Chuukese pastor and Consul General for the Consulate of Micronesia has dedicated his life to helping his community and the pandemic has made his job even harder.

By Kanani Cortez

Pacific Islanders in Oregon experience disproportionate rates of COVID-19

'Our community has been in constant mourning'

Policies have made it difficult for many Micronesian migrants to access social safety nets like unemployment insurance and healthcare exacerbating the pandemic’s impact on this community. Joe Enlet, a Chuukese pastor and Consul General for the Consulate of Micronesia has dedicated his life to helping his community and the pandemic has made his job even harder.

By Kanani Cortez

COVID-19 redefining musical theater

How one director is striving to bring the magic of live performances to a virtual world

Cailey McCandless is the program director of Teen Musical Theater of Oregon, a youth theater program based in Medford. The program, which provides a safe space for young artists, produces several performances a year. But the pandemic shut down the company’s spring show two days before opening night, forcing McCandless to come up with innovative ways to keep the production alive.

By Meaghan FitzPatrick

COVID-19 redefining musical theater

How one director is striving to bring the magic of live performances to a virtual world

Cailey McCandless is the program director of Teen Musical Theater of Oregon, a youth theater program based in Medford. The program, which provides a safe space for young artists, produces several performances a year. But the pandemic shut down the company’s spring show two days before opening night, forcing McCandless to come up with innovative ways to keep the production alive.

By Meaghan FitzPatrick

Pets in a pandemic

How a Portland veterinarian continues to care for her furry clientele

Veterinarian Dr. Katy Felton has been helping animals for more than 12 years. But when the pandemic hit, she was no longer able to provide the same level of support and care. Along with her staff at Grateful Heart Veterinary Hospital, she is now navigating a new normal.

By Angel Rosas

Pets in a pandemic

How a Portland veterinarian continues to care for her furry clientele

Veterinarian Dr. Katy Felton has been helping animals for more than 12 years. But when the pandemic hit, she was no longer able to provide the same level of support and care. Along with her staff at Grateful Heart Veterinary Hospital, she is now navigating a new normal.

By Angel Rosas

About NextGenRadio

The Next Generation Radio Project is a week-long digital journalism training project designed to give competitively selected participants, who are interested in radio and journalism, the skills and opportunity to report and produce their own multimedia story. Those chosen for the project are paired with a professional journalist who serves as their mentor.

This edition of the #NPRNextGenRadio project was produced in collaboration with Oregon Public Broadcasting in July 2020.

Acknowledgements

Our audio engineer is Patrice Mondragon.
Our illustrators are Yunyi Dai and Ard Su.
Our visuals editor is Erica Lee.
Our web producer is Robert Boos.
Our managing editor is Traci Tong.
Our digital editor is Joanne Griffith.

Special thanks to our journalist-mentors this week:

  • Tiffany Camhi, Host/Reporter, OPB, Portland, OR;
  • Gabriela Saldivia, Producer, NPR One, Washington, DC;
  • Jane Greenhalgh, Senior Producer/Editor, Science Desk, NPR, Portland, OR;
  • Liz Miller, Reporter, OPB, Portland, OR;
  • Donald Orr, General Assignment, OPB, Portland, OR.

NPR’s Next Generation Radio program is directed by its founder, Doug Mitchell.

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