The company of Goodman Theatre’s ‘The Music Man.’ (Photo: Liz Lauren)
Cities across the United States are tightening their vaccination and COVID guidelines, following in New York’s footsteps. The Big Apple has already taken steps to ensure safety, requiring vaccines and masks for all indoor entertainment venues.
“A coalition of more than 65 theaters and arts producers will require proof of vaccination or in some instances a negative COVID-19 test for entry, as well as face coverings, though protocols will vary by theater,” reported The Chicago Tribune. “According to the statement, ‘the unified COVID-19 protection protocol’ will go into effect September 1 for all indoor productions, and will include Loop theaters run by Broadway in Chicago.”
Los Angeles has similarly taken stricter precautions. “Los Angeles Philharmonic audience members will need to be fully vaccinated to attend concerts at Walt Disney Concert Hall beginning October 9,” per the Los Angeles Times. theaters are requiring vaccinations too, but “organizations in L.A. allowing for a religious exemption include the Hollywood Pantages, Geffen Playhouse, L.A. Theatre Works and Center Theatre Group.”
(l to r) Rachel York and Betty Buckley in ‘Gray Gardens’ at Center Theatre Group. (Photo: Craig Schwartz via The Broadway Blog.)
In Minnesota, the rules are a tad more lax: some venues will require vaccination or proof of a negative COVID test. As reported in the Twin Cities Pioneer Press, “Audience members will be required to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID test result taken within 72 hours before attending an event when the [St. Paul] Ordway Center for the Performing Arts reopens in September.”
In Boston, the American Repertory Theatre’s website shares that as of now, patrons will be required to wear a mask while indoors and attest to being symptom-free before entry. No word about vaccination is given for audiences, but as the Delta variant continues to spread, theaters may continue monitoring their policies to ensure audience and artist safety.
