(Photo: VDB Photos/Shutterstock)
The Broadway League has announced that all 41 Broadway houses have extended the requirement for masks and vaccinations for entry through the end of this calendar year. Since reopening this summer and fall, Broadway theaters have been fairly successful in maintaining “the show must go on” mantra. Some shows have had to cancel performances due to company breakthrough cases (Aladdin), but overall productions have successfully resumed. To keep that momentum going, The Broadway League is extending the vaccine and mask mandate.
To enter a Broadway theater, audiences 12 and older must be fully masked (covering their nose and mouth) and must show proof of vaccination. Audiences must be fully vaccinated with an FDA- or WHO-authorized vaccine and must prove identity via a government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport. This rule will stay in effect through December 31, 2021, and this rule also applies to all cast members, backstage crew, and venue staff.
Audiences must keep masks on unless they are actively eating or drinking. While on stage, performers will not have to wear masks. Theater owners will again review the policies by Dec. 1 for performances starting Jan. 3, 2022.
“We know that with these policies in place through the end of the year, we will continue to help our audiences feel safe and to deliver them the thrill of Broadway night after night,” said Charlotte St. Martin, President of the Broadway League, in a statement.
Audiences under 12 who cannot yet be vaccinated need proof of just one of the following: proof of a negative COVID PCR test performed by a medical provider within 72 hours of the performance start time or a negative COVID rapid antigen test taken within six hours of the performance start time. All such test results, printed or digital, must clearly show the date and time of the test.
Stay safe, support live theater, and mask and vax up!
