The following Safety Plan outlines the precautions and protocols in place at GBSC to ensure live performances with minimal risk to patrons, artists, and staff.
All measures are compliant with the CDC guidelines and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
Please note: Guidelines below are in effect as of July 1, 2022.
This plan will be continually updated to reflect best current practices.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
GBSC strongly recommends audience members 5 years of age and older are fully vaccinated prior to attending performances. Masks are optional, but strongly encouraged for guests for Mainstage Theatre and Special Event performances. Masks are mandatory for The Young Company youth performances.
All GBSC staff, volunteers, performers, designers and artists are required to be vaccinated (unless not recommended for medical reasons) or provide a negative test within 72 hours upon entering the building. All staff and volunteers are required to wear face coverings (covering nose and mouth both) at all times within the building for performances.
Performers will not be required to wear masks while on stage.
Accommodations with respect to medical or religious exemptions are subject to approval by the theatre and may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Concessions are being served at the Theatre in the Gallery space. Concessions may be consumed only within the confines of the Gallery and may not be taken out of the space.
GBSC upgraded the Theatre’s HVAC system in October 2021. The new HVAC systems utilize MERV-13 filters and provide constant fresh air cycling throughout the theatre, lobby, dressing room and green room areas.
Hand sanitizer is available at the main entrance and throughout the theatre. All are encouraged to use them regularly.
The theatre, bathrooms and concessions stand will be disinfected prior to each performance.
Staff will monitor and regularly disinfect all high-touch surfaces (toilet handles and seats, faucets, door plates/knobs, counters, handrails, pens, etc.).
As part of our Social Contract with our artists, staff and patrons, we ask anyone who meets any of the criteria below to refrain from attending the Theatre:
Experience any COVID-19 symptoms within the last 72 hours.
Exposure to Covid-19 by coming in contact with someone exhibiting symptoms within the last 72 hours.
The CDC guidelines of COVID-19 symptoms can be found here: CDC Covid-19 Symptoms.
EXPOSURE RESPONSE
Symptomatic Patron, Staff Member, Volunteer or Artist
If an artist, patron, volunteer or staff member exhibits present symptoms of COVID-19 they will be asked not to attend the performance.
If an artist, volunteer or staff member exhibits symptoms, they must work from home until symptoms subside and present a negative Covid-19 test (rapid test is acceptable) dated after the time of the symptom reported to be allowed back in the building.
POSITIVE COVID-19 Test of close contact of Patron, Staff Member, Volunteer or Artist
The CDC defines a close contact as:
“Someone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period starting from 2 days before illness onset (or, for asymptomatic patients, 2 days prior to test specimen collection) until the time the patient is isolated.”
If an artist, patron, volunteer or staff member is determined to be a close contact of a person that has tested positive for COVID-19, they must present a negative Covid-19 test (rapid test is acceptable) AND present no symptoms before returning to GBSC regardless of vaccination status. Upon returning, they must wear a mask for a minimum of 5 days after the exposure.
POSITIVE COVID-19 Test of Patron, Staff Member, Volunteer or Artist
If a patron, staff member, volunteer or artist tests positive for Covid-19, GBSC Staff will meet to discuss the proper course of action, which could include postponing performances or moving to recorded streamed performances for a time.
All close contacts of the confirmed case will be immediately contacted via phone and email.
The infected individual will be encouraged to follow the most updated state guidelines. Artists, staff and volunteers will be required to follow the most updated state guidelines.
If an artist, patron, volunteer, or staff member has tested positive for COVID-19, that individual will not be allowed to return to GBSC until they have been evaluated and cleared by a licensed health care provider AND present no symptoms, regardless of vaccination status.
The infected individual’s identity will remain anonymous.
Greater Boston Stage Company will be as transparent as possible when it comes to changes to any policies and procedures regarding Covid-19. Rest assured, our first responsibility is always the health and safety of our patrons, artists, and staff.