Broadway Theaters Vaccine and Mask Rules
Policies Effective for All Broadway Venues Through October 31, 2021
The Broadway League announced on July 30, 2021, that the owners and operators of all 41 Broadway theatres in New York City will require vaccinations for audience members, as well as performers, backstage crew, and theatre staff, for all performances through October 2021. Masks will also be required for audiences inside the theatre, except while eating or drinking in designated locations.
[Actors’ Equity Association and The Broadway League co-announced COVID Safety Plans & Guidelines on July 29, 2021. further below.)
Under the policy, guests will need to be fully vaccinated with an FDA or WHO authorized vaccine in order to attend a show and must show proof of vaccination at their time of entry into the theatre with their valid ticket. “Fully vaccinated” means the performance date must be at least 14 days after the second dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine, or at least 14 days after a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine.
Theatre owners and operators will begin notifying ticket holders for performances through October 31, 2021, with reminder messaging planned to ensure awareness of the new policies. For performances in November 2021 and beyond, theatre owners anticipate a review of policies in September, and may include a relaxation of certain provisions if the science dictates.
When asked about the collective decision to require vaccinations, Charlotte St. Martin, President of the Broadway League said, “As vaccination has proven the most effective way to stay healthy and reduce transmission, I’m pleased that the theatre owners have decided to implement these collective safeguards at all our Broadway houses. A uniform policy across all New York City Broadway theatres makes it simple for our audiences and should give even more confidence to our guests about how seriously Broadway is taking audience safety.”
Exceptions are being made for children under 12 and people with a medical condition or closely held religious belief that prevents vaccination. These guests must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of the performance start time, or a negative COVID-19 antigen test taken within 6 hours of the performance start time.
Speaking for the theatre owners, Nick Scandalios of The Nederlander Organization added, “With these procedures in place and recognizing the high vaccination rates among NYC audiences, Broadway continues to make safety our priority. As we get ready for Broadway’s big comeback, the entire theatre community is committed to the highest level of public health standards. We’re all eager to welcome our many patrons and fans back to the magic of Broadway.”
Further information from the Broadway League: www.Broadway.org
Actors’ Equity Association and The Broadway League Reach Deal on Safety Plans for Reopening
Michael S. Eddy, Stage Directions • NewsStage DirectionsTheater News • July 29, 2021
Actors’ Equity Association and the Broadway League have announced an agreement on safety protocols for Production Contract shows on Broadway and in sit-down productions across the country. This news comes as Pass Over, the first Broadway play set to resume performances, moved into the August Wilson Theatre on Thursday, July 29, 2021 for rehearsals.
Key provisions of the agreement include:
Improved HVAC standards;
Mandated vaccines for the workforce, with the exception of those who cannot do so for reasons such as age or risks to their health;
Weekly testing for employees;
Allowance for modifications to the protocols where necessary for individual shows or locations.
“This is an important milestone on the path to getting all our members safely back to work,” said Mary McColl, executive director for Actors’ Equity Association. “We are grateful to the League for their partnership on these protocols. We all feel this plan is robust, adaptable to changing conditions and in line with the science. Vaccines work, and those who are vaccinated will protect both themselves and those who can’t be at this time.”
“The secure return of our casts, crews and employees is our top priority. The Broadway League and Equity, faced with ever-changing COVID related variables, have agreed on health and safety protocols for actors and stage managers returning to Broadway. We will continue to partner with our union colleagues as we work together towards raising all of our curtains again,” said Charlotte St. Martin, president of The Broadway League.
Background: During the pandemic, Actors’ Equity Association has worked to prioritize workplace safety, retaining former head of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Dr. David Michaels, to advise the union on pandemic safety issues. The union has regularly released updated safety guidance for producers. Equity also fought for a testing and vaccination site in New York to help reopen the city’s theatre district.
Further information from Actors’ Equity Association: www.actorsequity.org
Further information from The Broadway League: www.broadwayleague.com
Source: https://plsn.com/featured/featured-slider/broadway-theatres-in-nyc-announce-vaccination-and-mask-requirement-for-audiences/
