HOW TACOMA LITTLE THEATRE PLANS TO PROTECT YOU AS WE REOPEN
Whether you are a patron, student, or performer with Tacoma Little Theatre, your health is extremely important to us.
On September 10, 2021, TLT began to require proof of a COVID-19 vaccination at the door for all audience members or proof of a negative COVID-19 test for exempted persons. Masks are also required for audiences inside the theatre, except while actively eating or drinking.
Enjoying live theatre again means that we all have a duty to responsibly change our behavior with a stronger focus on public health and safety.
TLT has been working on implementing strategies (many of which were already in place for staff and performers) to minimize the risk of COVID-19.
Here is an overview of how we will be operating:
·TLT joins area performance groups—including Tacoma Arts Live, Tacoma Musical Playhouse, New Muses Theatre Company, The 5th Avenue Theatre, Seattle Opera, Pacific Northwest Ballet, the Seattle Symphony, ACT - A Contemporary Theatre, Seattle Rep, The Washington Center for the Performing Arts, and Village Theatre—in requiring masking and vaccinations or negative COVID-19 testing to ensure a safe and successful return of the arts to the Puget Sound.
Children under 12 and any unvaccinated individual must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of the performance start time, or a negative COVID-19 antigen test taken within 6 hours of the performance start time.
This policy has been implemented based on the rapid rise of the COVID-19 virus and its variants, feedback from patrons, artists, the TLT Board of Directors, and TLT’s staff, and follows in the footsteps of the new
COVID-19 vaccine requirement mandated by Broadway theatres in New York City. These guidelines will also be utilized for TLT’s staff (including backstage crew and front of house staff), artists and performers, and volunteers.
Under this policy, guests will need to be fully vaccinated with a CDC/WHO authorized vaccine in order to attend a performance and must show proof of vaccination (or negative test) at their time of entry into the theatre with their valid ticket. “Fully vaccinated” means the performance date must be at least 14 days after the second dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine, or at least 14 days after a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine.
Audiences
PROOF OF VACCINATION OR NEGATIVE TEST REQUIREMENT
The following are acceptable as proof of full vaccination:
Vaccination card (which includes name of person vaccinated, type of vaccine provided and date last dose administered) OR
a photo of a vaccination card as a separate document OR
a photo of the attendee’s vaccine card stored on a phone or electronic device OR
documentation of vaccination from a healthcare provider electronic health record or state Immunization Information System record.
Matching photo ID required at the door
Self-reported vaccination records that are not verified by a health care provider cannot be accepted.
The following are acceptable as proof of a negative COVID-19 test result (for children under 5 and those unvaccinated):
Printed document (from the test provider or laboratory) OR
an email or text message displayed on a phone or electronic device from the test provider or laboratory.
The information provided should include name of person tested, type of test performed, and date of negative test result (date of negative PCR test result must be within prior 72 hours).
Matching photo ID required at the door (for those over the age of 18)
Self-reported negative test results that are not from a test provider, a laboratory, or a health care provider cannot be accepted.
If for some reason you do not have the proper documentation available when you arrive at the theatre, you will be offered a voucher for a future performance.
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS AND PROTECTION
To help ensure the safety of audiences, masks are required for all audience members and TLT Staff.
We will be following all Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department guidelines on capacity
Additional hand sanitizing stations will be located throughout the building
Additional signage recommending hand sanitizing and hand washing will be posted
Prior to audience arrival:
Thorough wiping and disinfecting of commonly touched surfaces and fixtures
Restrooms and lobby cleaned and disinfected
Prior to and after intermission:
Thorough wiping and disinfecting of commonly touched surfaces and fixtures
Restrooms and lobby cleaned and disinfected
Following audience departure:
Thorough wiping and disinfecting of commonly touched surfaces and fixtures
Thorough sweeping, mopping and vacuuming of the theatre
Thorough disinfecting throughout seating areas
The theatre will be closed and secured until the next event
Performers
Because we recognize that onstage and backstage areas have limited space, TLT is primarily placing a very strong emphasis on cleanliness and hygiene throughout the rehearsal and performance process. Our minimum guidelines for cast and crew will involve:
REHEARSALS
Vaccinations
Proof of full vaccination is now required for all performers eligible for a COVID vaccine. All actors that audition for TLT productions will be asked for their vaccination status on audition forms. All vaccine-eligible people who are cast and hired for TLT productions must show proof of vaccination prior to the start of rehearsal or first day of work. This is to protect all others involved in the productions. Boosters are strongly recommended.
Masks
All cast members will be required to be masked via face masks, shields, bandannas or scarfs during all rehearsals. All actors will be required to wear masks backstage when they are not performing. At this time, we do not plan to wear masks or shields during adult performances, though we are using face masks throughout our youth productions. TLT highly recommends KN95 masks to be used, and will provide them upon request.
Sanitizing
Sanitizing stations will be set up in all rehearsal and performance spaces by TLT for company use. Everyone will be asked to sanitize hands upon entering the room, and regular sanitation breaks and reminders will be implemented.
Symptoms
If a cast member is experiencing any suspected COVID symptoms, they must be immediately reported to the production stage manager assigned to the production. Those with suspected COVID cases will be recommended to stay home. The cast member will be allowed to return to rehearsal after providing proof of a negative test and no symptoms.
SHOWS
Before arrival
Actors will be asked to prepare as much of their hair and makeup at home as possible. Upon arrival, they should be ready to put on their wig, and should bring only enough makeup or hair products for quick touch-ups. Actors will also be asked to wear a protective layer between their body and their costume.
Entering TLT
Any cast and crew members experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19 or having had contact with anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 (within 5 days prior to the event) will not be allowed to perform without proof of a negative test result.
Inside TLT
Masks must be worn at all times, unless actors are on stage or in a rehearsal situation where it is not appropriate. Crew members will wear masks during all performances. Cast and crew members are encouraged to bring and use hand sanitizer, which will also be provided by TLT throughout backstage.
Cast and crew members will maintain acceptable social distancing whenever possible. This includes staggered call times and designated areas for each cast and crew member in the rehearsal room, as well as backstage when not on stage.
No visitors will be allowed backstage.
EXPOSURE PROTOCOLS
Close Contact
NO QUARANTINE
You do not need to stay home unless you develop symptoms.GET TESTED
Even if you don’t develop symptoms, a negative test will be required to return to rehearsals. Tests are available at TLT or you may provide your own electronic test results.MONITOR SYMPTOMS
Watch for symptoms until 10 days after you last had close contact with someone with COVID-19.IF YOU DEVELOP SYMPTOMS
Isolate immediately and get tested. Stay home until you know the results.
Positive Case
If you test positive for COVID-19 you must isolate for at least five days and can return when the following criteria are met:
5 full days since symptom onset, or the positive test sample was collected; and
No symptoms are present, or symptoms are improving; and
No fever without the use of fever-reducing medications within 24 hours of returning;
A negative test (Tests are available at TLT or you may provide your own electronic test results).
Students (Youth and Adult)
In order to maintain a safe and healthy environment for our students to learn, play and create, TLT is now requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination for participants in all of our education programs (youth and adults). For winter classes that begin in February of 2022, we will be accepting proof of just an initial dose of the COVID-19 vaccine on the first day of camp. You can bring the original vaccine record, a copy, or just a photograph on your phone to show when you check them in. This requirement will remain in place for the remainder of the 2021-2022 season, and will be assessed on an ongoing basis.
We are also requiring the use of KN-95 masks for all students and instructors in our program, and will have some at the theatre for those who need them.
Enrollment is open to those who provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (proof of initial dose for classes beginning in February 2022, proof of 14 days past final dose in April 2022 for all future classes).
Tacoma Little Theatre will continue to update our COVID protocols and policies as needed in the future to ensure the health and safety of all involved with TLT. If you have any questions about TLT’s COVID protocols, please use the contact form on our webpage. www.tacomalittletheatre.com