DC-area theaters unite to extend COVID vax and mask requirements

Shows go on as Theatre Washington announces continued safety efforts.

Theatre Washington, in coordination with their partner theaters, announces an extension and updates to the previously implemented policies requiring vaccination and mask-wearing at theater venues across the Washington, DC, region. The requirements have been updated in step with the progress in vaccination availability and city and state guidelines.

DCMTA graphic

In an effort initiated by leadership at Shakespeare Theatre Company, theaters across the region are continuing to unite to provide the highest level of public safety for their audiences, artists, staff, and volunteers. Patrons must show proof that they are fully vaccinated at the time of their entry into the theaters. (Refer to specific theaters’ policies for requirements; see listing below.) The policies will continue to be re-reviewed by aligned venues regularly, including a full update by March 31, 2022. Masks will also be required for audiences inside the theater, except while eating or drinking in designated locations. Patrons may display proof of vaccination with a physical copy of their vaccination card and ID, and theaters may extend other options to provide proof of vaccination as detailed on their websites. In addition to audiences, these theaters have mandated COVID-19 vaccinations and routine protocols for all of their performers and theater staff.

Theaters will offer exemptions for those who are not vaccinated, such as children who are recently or not yet eligible, people with certain medical conditions preventing vaccination, or those with closely held religious beliefs. These patrons must provide proof of a timely negative COVID-19 test—as defined by each venue—before performance start time.

“As we continue to navigate this pandemic and its effect on our industry, I’m grateful that the theater community has come together to provide reassurance to our audiences and theatermakers that we are first and foremost committed to their safety and well-being,” said Ed Zakreski, managing director of Round House Theatre. “We want to continue experiencing live theater together again in the safest manner possible.”

Amy Austin, president and CEO of Theatre Washington, said, “This community of theaters and theatermakers will continue to emerge from the pandemic as stronger institutions and individuals if we work together. This initiative is an example of collaborative work; and as the conditions change, we are committed to adapting and revisiting these policies as long as they need to be in place.”

To learn more about additional policies and procedures designed to protect the health and safety of everyone, patrons can visit theatrewashington.org/shows-and-events/covid-19-safety for updates and are encouraged to learn more at participating theaters’ websites.

Theater organizations joining in this effort

The Actors’ Center
Adventure Theatre MTC
Anacostia Playhouse
Arena Stage
Arts on the Horizon
Atlas Performing Arts Center
Best Medicine Rep Theater Company
Constellation Theatre Company
Faction of Fools
Flying V Theatre
Ford’s Theatre
GALA Hispanic Theatre
Imagination Stage
IN Series
Keegan Theatre
The Kennedy Center 
MetroStage
Monumental Theatre Company
Mosaic Theater Company of DC
Nu Sass
Olney Theatre Center
Perisphere Theater
Peter’s Alley 
Prologue Theatre
Round House Theatre
Scena Theatre
Shakespeare Theatre Company
Signature Theatre
Spooky Action Theater
Studio Theatre
Synetic Theater
Theater Alliance
Traveling Players Ensemble
Unexpected Stage
Washington Stage Guild
We Happy Few Productions
Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company

About Theatre Washington
Theatre Washington is an alliance of theater organizations, theatermakers, and theater supporters that promotes equitable, healthy, and diverse regional theater in the greater Washington, DC region. They do this through partnerships and programs that celebrate artistic achievement, support institutional growth and advancement, and cultivate collective action.

Theatre Washington was established in 1984 with the goal of recognizing outstanding achievements in Washington, DC-area theater through the annual Helen Hayes Awards. In subsequent years, the organization has expanded its mission to meet the evolving needs of the region’s growing cultural community, continuing to recognize artists and organizations through the nationally recognized Helen Hayes Awards program and advocating for local artists, attracting audiences, and providing services to the more than 90 professional theaters throughout the Washington, DC, region. theatrewashington.org

SEE ALSO:

DMV theaters unite to require proof of COVID vaccination (August 5, 2021, news story)

 

 

WIT to require booster shots and medical-grade masks (December 27, 2021, news story)

 

Latest COVID-19 protocol and attendance updates from The Broadway League
(November 9, 2021, story by Deb Miller)

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here