It was announced by the The Broadway League – the national trade association for the Broadway industry, founded in 1930, and presently with more than 700 members, including theater owners and operators, producers, presenters, and general managers – that all of NYC’s 41 Broadway theaters will continue to require vaccinations for audience members, as well as performers, backstage crew, and theater staff, for all performances through February 28, 2022. Masks will continue to be required for audiences inside the theater, except while actively eating or drinking in designated locations.
Under the updated policy, audience members ages 12 and older will need to be fully vaccinated with an FDA or WHO authorized vaccine and must present a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport (those aged 12-18 may use a government-issued ID or school ID, with no photo required). “Fully vaccinated” means the date of the performance is at least 14 days after the attendee’s second dose of a two dose COVID-19 vaccine or at least 14 days after the single dose of an approved single dose COVID-19 vaccine.
The organization has also initiated new provisions to welcome international visitors and children under 12 years old, when accompanied by a fully vaccinated adult. For international audience members, two doses of any “mix and match” combination of an FDA or WHO approved COVID-19 vaccine are acceptable. Children under the age of 12 may enter the theater with one of the following: proof of one dose (through February 28, 2022 only) of an FDA or WHO approved vaccine at least 14 days before the performance date; proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test performed by a medical provider within 72 hours of the performance; or a negative COVID-19 rapid antigen test taken within 6 hours of curtain time. The test results must clearly show the date and time of the test.
According to Charlotte St. Martin, President of the Broadway League, “Since reopening, Broadway has welcomed back over 1,000,000 attendees to theaters in New York City. It’s thrilling to see the energy on our stages and in our audiences once again. We are excited to welcome families, children, and more international visitors as our borders reopen and tourism to New York recovers.”
On behalf of the theater owners, Robert E Wankel, Chairman and CEO of The Shubert Organization, added, “We know that our commitment to the highest level of public health standards in our Broadway theaters provides a safer environment and importantly, helps our audiences feel more secure. We’re now delighted to welcome back audiences from around the world, and even more children and families to experience the magic of a live Broadway show as the holiday season approaches.”
The Broadway League also wants to remind everyone that NYC theaters are filled with an exciting array of new and classic musicals and plays, providing the perfect experience for every taste and audience, and performing every day of the week at multiple curtain times to accommodate every schedule. Great seats are available at every price point and are easy to buy online, by phone, or in person at theater box offices, so it’s always the perfect time to see a show! For more information visit The Broadway League website.
