AEA Releases New COVID Protocols

[MattieIce2018]

Posted: 4/2/21 at 7:05pm

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Actors-Equity-Association-Releases-Detailed-List-of-New-COVID-Safety-Protocols-20210402

 

Thoughts?

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 4/2/21 at 11:33pm

Sounds very complicated and very expensive. Not sure how smooth this will roll out. Lots of moving pieces in very small theatres. Where will these Covid officers be housed? I think the expense and complexities of this will keep some shows from reopening and some from opening.

We have weekly testing at work and it’s complicated. If a positive comes back it creates lots of staffing issues. With a Broadway show I fear a positive will create havoc.

I wish them luck.

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 4/2/21 at 11:35pm

I do wonder how many of these rules will stay in place by the time some more B'way shows start reopening towards the end of 2021 and into next year- note that these guidelines date from yesterday to June 30 and may be revised afterwards. At least both opening candy wrappers in the middle of a performance and maniacal stage door Johnnies will be nonexistent (thank God), so enjoy it while you can! 

I also love how strict the mask rules are- just shows you how serious Equity is about keeping everyone healthy, which I appreciate. Since last summer, I've been suggesting post-show Zoom/Skype calls, texts and/or email chains as a way of reaching out to MD's from now on, in lieu of my previous "pit visits." Some have hopped on board and hopefully more will follow after B'way starts its reopening process. 

 

 

[HogansHero]

Posted: 4/3/21 at 12:11am

Bettyboy72 said: "Sounds very complicated and very expensive. Not sure how smooth this will roll out. Lots of moving pieces in very small theatres. Where will these Covid officers be housed? I think the expense and complexities of this will keep some shows from reopening and some from opening.

We have weekly testing at work and it’s complicated. If a positive comes back it creates lots of staffing issues. With a Broadway show I fear a positive will create havoc.

I wish them luck."

I don't see this as very complicated, or expensive. These are pretty basic protocols for early going. You say "a positive will create havoc." Wouldn't you want it too? What is the alternative. That said, the clear strategy is to avoid a positive. Prophylaxis. 

It is well to remember that these are national rules and that some protocols that may seem standard in New York may not be everywhere. With today's mind-boggling news from Florida, it seems likely that there will be no Equity productions in that state (and that's sadly likely to be a bellwether for some other ignorant states). [There will also likely be no way to get there without a car, but that's another matter.]

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 4/3/21 at 2:19am

I’m also glad these protocols are designed to protect actors/staff-keeping folks safe and prohibit productions in areas that aren’t respecting health guidelines

Hogan, you don’t see this as expensive? In reading over these protocols I can’t see it being anything other than expensive, possibly prohibitively for a show that is already struggling to make ends meet. Maybe I’m just ignorant but it seems that the production footing the bill for all costs including the testing (collection and lab work) of an entire production staff and performers ,the PPE , disinfecting supplies, and retrofitting of shared spaces to make them CDC compliant. I’m hoping some of the govt funds help ease this burden. The logistics of testing anyone entering the building can be complicated. Add in the window periods given for results (48 to 72 hours). Those window periods require everyone involved in a production to truly follow the guidelines It seems like the guidelines dictate performer and staff behavior outside of work as well.

Also if someone is quarantined the production is paying for all those expenses including delivered medications, meals, supplies. The production will also pay expenses for anyone displaced by a quarantined company member. It sounds very expensive to me.

And one Covid monitor for every 20 people on a production? It appears as these people are impartial parties not affiliated with the show? Are these new hires? Full time positions? Who foots the bill? If these are existing staff who are assigned this duty, they will most likely get a raise if a union is involved.

Also I wonder if show staff are being asked to add new duties to their job description (disinfection,etc) will these will require temporary increases in salary.

I’m happy there is a lot of thought and planning going into getting stages back open. I hope it keeps everyone safe and healthy. I truly wish them luck. It’s a big endeavor to roll out. I hope it goes smoothly.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 4/3/21 at 3:44am

Will it add costs? Yes, but I dont thi k its quite as expensive as you might think. Schools all over the country have had to do this for the past year.. add nurses, cleaning staff, product expense and much more - were talking MILLIONS of dollars spent - and school budgets are TIGHT . Trust me, no one is paying teachers extra for their newfound duties.

Also...since they are being required to immunize.....cases are going to be incredibly low.

[SouthernCakes]

Posted: 4/3/21 at 10:11am

They want to keep their members safe but can’t give them all healthcare ... hmm... but sure ... I can’t wait for live theater without face shields

[Broadway61004]

Posted: 4/3/21 at 10:53am

SouthernCakes said: "They want to keep their members safe but can’t give them all healthcare ... hmm... but sure ... I can’t wait for live theater without face shields "

^This exactly. They won't let all their members qualify for healthcare, but they demand all of their members get healthcare. This is where I agree it's going to get impossible for smaller theatres (which are already hurting financially) to reopen, causing them to either close or do shows with only extremely small casts, both of which put many union members out of work. It's totally acceptable to require the theatres to pay for the regular testing, masks, etc. But full health coverage? Food and grocery deliveries if someone gets sick? Some of these are just going to come back to bite Equity when they realize what that does to theatres' budgets and in turn their ability to hire their actors.

[HogansHero]

Posted: 4/3/21 at 10:57am

@Bettyboy I agree with Dramamama that these things, while certainly not free, are not overburdening and can largely be worked out. If you look at what restaurants are doing (at least the responsible ones), it includes most of these things. And I think the health and safety monitoring is more in the nature of an extension of existing duties and perhaps an add-on in the nature of a dance captain, etc. 

I also see these rules as a part of an evolution and not as a fixed thing. I believe they are largely geared toward short-circuiting laxness in certain regions. As vaccination becomes ubiquitous, the rules will become less necessary. The premise of this is to have everyone immune so that there are no cases. As this happens, rules can and will be relaxed. And I think that relaxation will take place before we see any significant amount of theatre. What these rules really forestall is that we have places where there are NO government rules, and AEA is simply not going to allow members to work in unsafe conditions that would be legally possible. I expect that we will see a lot of compliance pressure that will eventually be unavoidable in places that are acting irresponsibly. Texas baseball teams have no restrictions on fans, so you can have 50k people spreading covid. That's outdoors and with no interactivity with players and personnel. Imagine that rule playing out in a theatre with 1k cooped up in the audience. 

[Theatrefanboy1]

Posted: 4/3/21 at 11:10am

While I know the priority is to get shows back up and running. I just shared this with a friend, who (who frequents shows weekly) said she has no interest in going to anything like this as long as these are in place. I'm curious how many feel the same way. 

Clearly laid out (and not surprising) is the banning of the stage door and other "social" interactions. I know a group of people who had said before that if they can't stage door an OBC sometimes then count them out.

[HogansHero]

Posted: 4/3/21 at 11:39am

Theatrefanboy1 said: "While I know the priority is to get shows back up and running. I just shared this with a friend, who (who frequents shows weekly) said she has no interest in going to anything like this as long as these are in place. I'm curious how many feel the same way.

Clearly laid out (and not surprising) is the banning of the stage door and other "social" interactions. I know a group of people who had said before that if they can't stage door an OBC sometimes then count them out."

I am not sure what "these" things are for your friend. Is she saying anything other than masks? There are certainly people saying they will wait that out but I do not think it will be all that important in context. For the limited shows opening/reopening before masks are not required (spring at the latest absent some bad news), there are enough people who are happy to wear masks to see live theatre. The rest can wait and the shows for which they are the likely market will be those that wait as well. 

The business about stage dooring is a sad reflection of the reason these people went to the theatre in the first place. Good riddance to them.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 4/3/21 at 12:10pm

I sat for 90 mins at Lillias White’s concert last night, wearing my mask and I’m happy to report that I survived. It is possible, for everyone wondering how they’ll live wearing it throughout a show. And if you’re in NYC, you’ve worn a damn mask longer than that at this point anyways between leaving your apt, going to the subway, running errands etc. These “I can’t wear a mask at a show” people need to calm down.

I will say that (and if people involved in shows reopening are reading this) I hope shows offer some signed playbills and posters for sale at the theater as a way to give to BCEFA, until stage-dooring is allowed again. Putting aside the “who likes it who doesn’t like it” argument, it’s been around since the beginning of theater, itself and isn’t going anywhere and they have a chance to continuously make some money for a cause that needs it by offering these things at a merch table for those that like them. And hopefully for an “affordable” price.

[ACL2006]

Posted: 4/3/21 at 12:32pm

I went to a show at the Count Basie Theater in Red Bank, NJ last Saturday. I was perfectly fine wearing a mask. Granted, their capacity is limited at 150 guests, so they can only do small shows/concerts right now. I wonder how they'll adjust whenever their capacity %. gets increased.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 4/3/21 at 1:07pm

I said this in another thread too - I don't get the whole " I won't watch a show in a mask" thinking either. I cant see how sitting, passively, will in way be altered by wearing a mask.

At work, I already wear a mask 5 hours a day, soon to be up to 8 hours. Pretty sure most people (and I mean 99% of them) can manage for the 90 - 120 minutes a show lasts.

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 4/3/21 at 2:28pm

I’d be elated to wear a mask if it meant I could go to a show. As drama said, I find it easy to relax and watch a show with a mask on. A concert might be harder if I’m up and dancing and cheering.

I also love Jordan’s idea of offering signed items. Maybe as a way to support the actors in the show by paying towards benefits for them.

[Mark_E]

Posted: 4/3/21 at 2:30pm

dramamama611 said: "I said this in another thread too - I don't get the whole " I won't watch a show in a mask" thinking either. I cant see how sitting, passively, will in way be altered by wearing a mask.

At work, I already wear a mask 5 hours a day, soon to be up to 8 hours. Pretty sure most people (and I mean 99% of them) can manage for the 90 - 120 minutes a show lasts."

I've done it for a few shows in the UK, and its far from ideal. I wear one at work for long shifts but i'm on my feet and it's fine. Sat down in a tight theatre seat with the lights down - not quite such a pleasent experience. It won't stop me going  to the odd show but I won't be planning my yearly holiday around it where i'd normally see 10+ shows.

[HogansHero]

Posted: 4/3/21 at 2:31pm

I also find this mask resistance shtick pathetic although obviously anyone who does not want to wear a mask to the theatre can easily solve the problem by staying away. I would just add to the list of lengthy mask wearing examples above the one that is most to the point. Healthcare workers (you know, the folks who have saved the lives of our friends and families and acquaintances over the last year or so) have masks on throughout their work days, days that at times have lasted long enough to see a marathon of both parts of Angels, plus The Inheritance, and even have time for a one act play or two on top. 

I think the idea of selling signed stuff is a great one, doing good at the same time the autograph urge can be satisfied for those who are into that sort of thing. 

[hearthemsing22]

Posted: 4/3/21 at 2:43pm

HogansHero said: "Bettyboy72 said: "Sounds very complicated and very expensive. Not sure how smooth this will roll out. Lots of moving pieces in very small theatres. Where will these Covid officers be housed? I think the expense and complexities of this will keep some shows from reopening and some from opening.

We have weekly testing at work and it’s complicated. If a positive comes back it creates lots of staffing issues. With a Broadway show I fear a positive will create havoc.

I wish them luck."

I don't see this as very complicated, or expensive. These are pretty basic protocols for early going. You say "a positive will create havoc." Wouldn't you want it too? What is the alternative. That said, the clear strategy is to avoid a positive. Prophylaxis.

It is well to remember that these are national rules and that some protocols that may seem standard in New York may not be everywhere. With today's mind-boggling news from Florida, it seems likely that there will be no Equity productions in that state (and that's sadly likely to be a bellwether for some other ignorant states). [There will also likely be no way to get there without a car, but that's another matter.]"

I completely agree!! When I read this, it seemed straightforward and the best way to ensure health of everyone involved in productions, everyone in the buildings. It doesn’t seem complicated or anything. I think it makes sense. 

[hearthemsing22]

Posted: 4/3/21 at 2:45pm

Broadway61004 said: "SouthernCakes said: "They want to keep their members safe but can’t give them all healthcare ... hmm... but sure ... I can’t wait for live theater without face shields "

^This exactly. They won't let all their members qualify for healthcare, but they demand all of their members get healthcare. This is where I agree it's going to get impossible for smaller theatres (which are already hurting financially) to reopen, causing them to either close or do shows with only extremely small casts, both of which put many union members out of work. It's totally acceptable to require the theatres to pay for the regular testing, masks, etc. But full health coverage? Food and grocery deliveries if someone gets sick? Some of these are just going to come back to bite Equity when they realize what that does to theatres' budgets and in turn their ability to hire their actors."

I believe it said that if someone tested positive they would have a place for that person to stay as well as providing them things like food. There are also ways to get food through the state. 

[hearthemsing22]

Posted: 4/3/21 at 2:48pm

Theatrefanboy1 said: "While I know the priority is to get shows back up and running. I just shared this with a friend, who (who frequents shows weekly) said she has no interest in going to anything like this as long as these are in place. I'm curious how many feel the same way.

Clearly laid out (and not surprising) is the banning of the stage door and other "social" interactions. I know a group of people who had said before that if they can't stage door an OBC sometimes then count them out."

I literally laughed out loud at the stagedoor comment. THATS people’s priorities? Meeting people at the stagedoor??? Please. That’s not why you see a show. You go to support the arts or maybe see your favorite performer but stagedoor, meet and greets, those are NEVER  a package deal. Do they only see shows if they’re guaranteed to meet actors after? Do they then blast those people on social media for not doing the stagedoor, which actors are never required to do?? Give me a break. 

[Theater3232]

Posted: 4/3/21 at 3:16pm

No food/drink for audience members?  How will this affect comedy clubs with a food/drink minimum?  Will those places need to employ 100% non-AEA members?

[Kad]

Posted: 4/3/21 at 3:34pm

Broadway61004 said: "SouthernCakes said: "They want to keep their members safe but can’t give them all healthcare ... hmm... but sure ... I can’t wait for live theater without face shields "

^This exactly. They won't let all their members qualify for healthcare, but they demand all of their members get healthcare. "

Equity can't "give" them all healthcare, as great as that would be. Healthcare through Equity League is paid for by required weekly employer contributions when members work on contracts. In America, insurance has to be paid for by somebody. If no benefit contributions have been coming in, then there is no money to pay for the insurance. Earning health insurance eligibility through accruing work weeks is a way to keep the pooled trust fund that pays for union benefits solvent. This is what labor law and the resistance to universal healthcare in this country force unions to do.

(And, no, working dues or membership dues legally cannot cover this insurance, either. By law, union benefits have to be administered separately by a legally distinct organization, in this case it's Equity League, which is separate from AEA).

"No food/drink for audience members?  How will this affect comedy clubs with a food/drink minimum?  Will those places need to employ 100% non-AEA members?"

Comedy clubs aren't typically AEA jurisdiction and therefore aren't subject to these protocols, and members are free to perform at them without contract.

 

Updated On: 4/3/21 at 03:34 PM

[SmoothLover]

Posted: 4/3/21 at 3:48pm

Hogan, when you referenced Florida were you talking about the increase in people testing positive?

[Kad]

Posted: 4/3/21 at 3:56pm

SmoothLover said: "Hogan, when you referenced Florida were you talking about the increase in people testing positive?"

I assume he's referring to DeSantis prohibiting businesses from requiring vaccine passports/proof of vaccination from patrons.

[BroadwayGuy12]

Posted: 4/3/21 at 4:04pm

SmoothLover said: "Hogan, when you referenced Florida were you talking about the increase in people testing positive?"

ETA: Kad beat me to it, but here's an article with some more information.

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/florida-gov-ron-desantis-issues-order-prohibiting-state-issuing-vaccine-n1262929

Updated On: 4/3/21 at 04:04 PM