COVID Safety Protocol

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A. General

1. The health and well-being of our performers, staff, guests, and community is a top priority. Staff must remind all participants to stay home if they don’t feel well and cannot attribute symptoms to another known cause, such as allergies or a pre-existing condition.

2. All staff, performers, musicians, and volunteers must be fully vaccinated, and be able to provide proof of vaccination.

3. All audience members must be fully vaccinated and be able to provide proof of vaccination.

4. An acceptable mask must have at least two layers of washable, breathable fabric, completely cover the wearer’s mouth and nose, and fit snugly against the sides of the face and below the chin. Neck gaiters are not considered adequate face coverings.

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B. Auditions

1. Properly fitting masks should be worn at all times, except when the auditionee is performing,

2. Auditions should be held in a large, well-ventilated room. Auditions should be private, with minimal production staff.

3. Consideration should be given to holding on-line auditions when possible.

4. Call-backs should be utilized only where necessary, and then only with the minimum number of candidates needed.

 

C. Rehearsals

1. Rehearsals should be held in a large, well-ventilated room.

2. Ideal scheduling will call for the minimum cast required for the scene(s) being rehearsed.

3. Properly fitting masks should be worn at all times during rehearsals. The only exception to this might be for full run-throughs or dress rehearsals, where the balance of the singers requires that masks be removed.

4. Social distancing should be observed wherever possible.

 

D. Production/Backstage

1. No one will be allowed backstage if they cannot provide proof of vaccination.

2. Face masks must be worn by all cast, staff, and other backstage participants at all times when indoors, except when alone in a private office with the door closed.

3. Performers may remove their face coverings during the performance. They must wear a face covering at all other times.

4. Everyone will observe good health hygiene (e.g., cough into elbow, wash or sanitize hands frequently).

 

E. Orchestra

1. Wherever possible, orchestra musicians should wear a mask during rehearsals and performances.

2. Wind instrument players should only remove their face masks immediately before playing and put the face masks back on after they have finished playing.

3. Masks or bell covers for instruments can be used to prevent the release of aerosols during playing.

4. Consider the placement of instruments in the room based on their risk of droplet release (e.g., flutes placed where exhalation would not be directed at other musicians).

5. Regular cleaning of instruments, mouthpieces, and accessories, as per standard protocol, is essential. Instrument brushes should be used where applicable. Do not share cleaning cloths or instrument brushes. Cleaning of individual instruments with saliva build-up should be done outside of the group setting to reduce the risk of exposure.

 

F. Front of House

1. No one will be allowed in the lobby or front-of-house if they cannot provide proof of vaccination.

2. Face masks are required for all persons.

3. Enhanced cleaning and sanitizing will be conducted frequently.

4. Hand sanitizer will be available at all entry/exit points (doors, elevators).

5. House Manager will be present during all events to ensure the highest standards of safety, physical distancing, cleanliness, and sanitizing are being met. met.

 

G. Audience

1. All patrons must be fully vaccinated and be able to provide proof of vaccination. A minimum of 14 days must have passed since the final shot.

2. All patrons must wear a properly fitting mask while inside.

3. No food or drink will be allowed inside the performance hall. This is to eliminate the possibility that masks will be removed to consume such items.

4. All patrons will receive a “Know Before You Go” email with detailed information 24 hours before events. This information will also be posted on the Lyric Theatre website.

5. Pre-show announcements will include a reminder to patrons of the mask policy.

 

H. Exposure to COVID or a Positive COVID Test

1. If a performer or staff member tests positive for COVID that individual will be barred from further rehearsals or performances and must self-isolate until cleared by their personal physician. In general, this will be a minimum of five days from the date of the positive test or onset of symptoms.

2. If a performer or staff member notifies production staff that they were exposed to COVID they must wear a mask, remain socially distanced, and get tested for COVID within 3-5 days of exposure.

   • If test results are negative, the individual can continue to attend rehearsals or performances, but must continue to wear a mask and remain socially distanced for fourteen days.

   • If test results are positive, the individual must immediately self-isolate until cleared by their personal physician.

3. For persons who were present with an individual who was exposed or tested positive, the degree of contact must be determined.

   • For Non-Close Contact (greater than 6 ft. AND less than 15 cumulative exposure minutes in a 24-hr. period) there will be no restrictions.

   • For Close Contact (Less than 6 ft. AND more than 15 cumulative exposure minutes in a 24-hr. period) no quarantine is necessary. Follow the steps outlined in section H.2. above.

4. The producer of the production will be responsible for COVID status and contact data.

   • It is recommended that this duty be delegated to a designated staff person.

   • COVID exposure information should be kept confidential. A person who has been potentially exposed should be made aware of that fact, but the source of exposure must not be divulged.

 

I. Changes to this Protocol        

1. This protocol is intended to comply with the guidance from the State and local municipalities at the time of its adoption. If such guidelines subsequently call for more stringent procedures, Lyric Theatre will abide by those stricter procedures.

2. If State and local municipalities ease COVID restrictions, it is the prerogative of Lyric Theatre to maintain these stricter procedures if deemed appropriate.