DC Theatres Unite: Audiences Must be Vaccinated

Theatres Invite Audience to 'Join in Effort to Slow Spread of COVID-19'

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Altas Performing Arts Center (1333 H St. NE) is one of a group of theatres that will require audience members to be vaccinated. Courtesy: Atlas

Theatres across the greater DC area have united to require that their audiences provide proof of vaccination in order to attend all live performances at indoor venues.

They say this will provide the highest level of public safety for their audiences, artists, staff, and volunteers.

The organizations joining in this unprecedented effort include Arena Stage (1101 Sixth t. SW), Atlas Performing Arts Center (1333 H St. NE), Constellation Theatre Company (1835 14th St. NW,), GALA Hispanic Theatre (3333 14 St. NW), The Keegan Theatre (1742 Church St. NW), Mosaic Theater Company of DC (1333 H St. NE, in Atlas), Round House Theatre, Shakespeare Theatre Company (450 Seventh St. NW), Signature Theatre (4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington), Studio Theatre (1501 14 St. NW), Synetic Theater (1800 S. Bell St., Arlington), Theater J (1529 16 St. NW), and Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company (641 D St. NW).

More theatres are expected to join this group in the coming weeks.

Organizations will update their own websites as appropriate, and all participants will be listed at TheatreWashington.org.

The theatres say they are committed to the safety of all who work, perform, and visit their venues and want to invite audiences to join in the effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.

In addition to audiences, these theatres have mandated COVID vaccinations for performers and theatre staff.

Shakespeare Theatre notes the new policy on their website. Screenshot https://www.shakespearetheatre.org/

In order to attend a show, guests must show proof that they are fully vaccinated at the time of their entry into the theatres through December 2021. This end date is subject to change and will be re-reviewed by aligned venues in October.

Patrons may display proof of vaccination with a physical copy of their vaccination card. Individual theatres may extend other options to provide proof of vaccination as detailed on their websites.

Masks will also be required for audiences inside the theatre, except while eating or drinking in designated locations.

“Fully vaccinated” means that either 14 days have passed since receiving the second dose of FDA or WHO authorized double-dose vaccines or that 14 days have passed since receiving the sole dose of FDA or WHO authorized single-dose vaccines.

There will be some exemptions offered for those unable to be vaccinated, such as children under 12, people with certain medical conditions preventing vaccination, or those with closely held religious beliefs that prevent vaccination. These patrons must provide proof of a timely negative COVID-19 test—as defined by each venue—before performance start time.

To learn more about additional policies and procedures designed to protect the health and safety of everyone, patrons are encouraged to learn more at each organization’s website or at TheatreWashington.org.