WASHINGTON, D.C: Theatres across the greater Washington, D.C., area have united to provide the highest level of public safety for their audiences, artists, staff, and volunteers by requiring proof of vaccination for all indoor public performances. In addition to audiences, these theatres have mandated COVID vaccinations for performers and theatre staff.
The organizations joining in this effort include Arena Stage, Atlas Performing Arts Center, Constellation Theatre Company, GALA Hispanic Theatre, The Keegan Theatre, Mosaic Theater Company of DC, Round House Theatre, Shakespeare Theatre Company, Signature Theatre, Studio Theatre, Synetic Theater, Theater J, and Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company. More theatres are expected to join in the coming weeks. Organizations will update their own websites as appropriate, and all participants will be listed at TheatreWashington.org.
When attending a performance, patrons will have to show proof of full vaccination at the time of entry to theatres through December. This date is subject to change and will be reviewed by aligned venues in October. 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 either the second dose or single dose of FDA or WHO authorized vaccines. Patrons may display proof of vaccination with a physical copy of their vaccination card. Theatres might later extend other options to provide proof of vaccination as detailed on their websites.
Theatres will exempt 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.
Theatre Washington is an alliance of theatre organizations, theatremakers, and theatre supporters that aims to promote a creative, equitable, healthy, and diverse regional theatre community.
