I absolutely loved my high school theater experiences, not that I ever had big roles in musicals, because I can't really sing. But I did have the lead in the Importance Of Being Earnest, and boy was that ever awkward. Because I played opposite my sister, and I had to kiss her. Romantically! 🤣

We had a high school orchestra that played for the musicals, and from what I've seen, many high schools still do. It's an important part of the whole experience, I think.

I'm sure it's more difficult for smaller schools to pull it off, so I wouldn't begrudge them if they use recordings. It's just so sad that kids are going to miss out on these experiences for what's in like extraordinarily silly reasons.