Venice Theatre Announces Re-Opening Guidelines
The theatre's benchmarks for reopening safely are two weeks of continued decrease in local COVID-19 cases and a positivity rate of 3-4%.
By: Stephi Wild
Venice Theatre has announced the guidelines it will follow upon reopening.
The theatre's benchmarks for reopening safely are two weeks of continued decrease in local COVID-19 cases and a positivity rate of 3-4%.
The following are the guidelines the theatre will follow when returning to live performance.
- TESTING: Staff and contract workers must be tested for COVID-19 every two weeks until further notice.
- VOLUNTEER/STAFF/STUDENT ENTRY: Everyone gets a temperature check. Everyone answers a series of COVID-related questions upon entry.
- VOLUNTEER/STAFF/STUDENTS WHILE IN BUILDING: Mask-wearing is mandatory in all public spaces and when not alone in offices. All must wash hands frequently and maintain proper distancing. Greenroom use is limited to brief meal consumption only, with a maximum of four people at a time. Office hours will be staggered for multiple-employee offices.
- AUDIENCES: Showtimes will be staggered for each theatre (7:30/8:00 and 2:00/2:30), as will lobby entry times (7:00/7:45 and 1:30/2:15). We will use reservations, but no tickets. All seats in both theatres will be reserved. Audiences will also be temperature-checked and answer a brief questionnaire. Each group will be ushered directly to seats after entry. Restroom usage will be monitored: 3 at a time per ladies' room, 2 at a time per men's room. There will be no post-show meet-and-greet for the immediate future. Playbills will be digital-only for 1st phase; hard copies will be distributed in 2nd phase.
- FRONT OF HOUSE: Staff will operate as Front-of-House staff through first two phases of reopening.
Bar will operate as follows: It will be closed for 1st phase of reopening. It will feature closed-lid drinks only for 2nd phase. Phase 3 will be fully operational. Presidents Club will be closed for first phase of reopening, but open with limited service for Phase 2. - Upon re-opening, BOX OFFICE will operate by phone and internet only until further notice.
- STUDENTS/CLASSES: The same entry and use protocols will apply. No visitors will be allowed. Restroom use will be staggered.
- SANITIZATION: Extra cleanings will occur throughout the day-hard surfaces, restrooms, etc.- and between the use of each theatre and rehearsal space. Hand sanitizer stations will be positioned liberally throughout the building and at each audience entrance/exit.
- SIGNAGE: Prominent professional signage and floor markings will help all audience and personnel follow protocols.