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Broadway COVID Rules: Masks Encouraged, No Vaccination Checks
By RAVEN SNOOK
Tuesday, June 21, 2022  •  
Tue Jun 21, 2022  •  
Broadway  •   55 comments Share This

On June 21, 2022, The Broadway League issued updated COVID-19 safety protocols for all 41 Broadway houses:

As of July 1, Masks Are Optional at Most Broadway Theatres

Audiences of all ages are required to wear masks inside Broadway theatres through Thursday, June 30. For the month of July, masks will be optional but encouraged save for American Buffalo at Circle in the Square Theatre and The Minutes at Studio 54, which both require masks through the end of their respective runs.. Masking rules for August will be determined in mid-July. You can read more about COVID-19 safety at each Broadway theatre chain at the following links: Nederlander Theatres, Shubert Theatres, Jujamcyn Theatres, the Lyric Theatre and the Hudson Theatre. Broadway venues operated by the nonprofits Roundabout Theatre Company, Manhattan Theatre Club, Lincoln Center Theater and Second Stage Theater are dark until fall, so their COVID-19 rules are to be determined.

Currently, Proof of Vaccination Is Not Required for Broadway Shows*

*Note that Moulin Rouge! requires proof of full vaccination and masks for its Can Can! Seating.

Rules for Shows Beyond Broadway

Legally, theatres beyond Broadway no longer need to require proof of full vaccination or masks. However, many are sticking to those rules, and some productions even require booster shots. Before buying tickets to any event, it's imperative to read the specific rules of the venue or production so you are prepared.



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55 Comments:
Carol Gladstone said:
Yay! As an avid theatre-goer, I find your policy most comforting.
Posted on 7/30/2021 at 4:05 PM
Stan Wolfson said:
Will seating be separated?
Posted on 9/11/2021 at 11:54 AM
Raven Editor of TDF Stages said:
Hi Stan, Broadway theaters are not social distancing, no. All tickets are for sale. Of course it's always possible a show may not be sold out.
Posted on 9/11/2021 at 5:07 PM
Elena said:
What is your policy for people with medical and religious exempt?
Posted on 9/12/2021 at 3:59 PM
Raven Editor of TDF Stages said:
For folks who can't be vaccinated, most shows (on Broadway, at least) are asking for a negative COVID-19 test taken within a certain amount of time before showtime. If you're asking for yourself and you are interested in a specific show, leave a comment and I'll track down the info for the production in question.
Posted on 9/13/2021 at 9:01 AM
ANITA MINCEY said:
I am like Stan are the seats going to be separate ? I understand that social distance is no longer required but the seats are very close together. I would feel more comfortable with at least one separate seat. Are people allowed to eat and drink at their seats ? So we have masks off people eating, drinking, and talking all around you.
Posted on 9/29/2021 at 6:18 PM
Raven Editor of TDF Stages said:
Hi Anita, As of now, Broadway theatres are not social distancing. If the seats near you are empty, it's only because they didn't sell. So far, in my experience, audience members have been good about masking. However, you are correct that people are allowed to eat and drink at their seats, which means masks come off at times. Double masking has been my solution.
Posted on 9/30/2021 at 7:39 AM
Carol Mennie said:
Why are you allowing food & drink in audience? That stops me buying tickets..and I am an avid theatre goer as well as an AEA Actor. Please re-consider this policy. Also consider making all unvaccinated people sit together in separate section; perhaps that will encourage them to get vaccinated; the rest of us will feel a bit safer. This is no time for compromising.
Posted on 10/5/2021 at 8:29 PM
Sandra goldberg said:
Prior to COVID theater management discouraged food especially when theater goers opened wrappers to snacks, as it's distracted actors and others in the theater. Usually the time to get a drink or snack foods is during intermission . That should be a given in all theaters! Especially now!!
Posted on 11/3/2021 at 3:19 PM
Judy Prigal said:
Adult theatergoers should be able to sit for one or two hours without having to drink or eat. We did it that way for decades. When you are really engrossed in a show, it is distracting even when someone only opens a bottle of water. I have notified a few theaters about this, but apparently making sales is more important.
Posted on 12/2/2021 at 1:48 PM
Chana bee said:
I called the music box theater on Friday, and they confirmed that for an adult who is not vaccinated, either for medical or religious reasons, a negative covid test taken within 72 hours, or a negative rapid taken within 6 hours, is sufficient. Is this what others are hearing as well?
Posted on 12/12/2021 at 7:42 PM
Raven Editor of TDF Stages said:
Hi Chana, Yes, the policy you state in your comment is also in this article. That said, where did you buy your tickets for Dear Evan Hansen? It's always best to check with the point of purchase for their rules. You can't call box offices directly but you can call Telecharge, etc.
Posted on 12/12/2021 at 7:49 PM
Tim said:
Will the mask requirement apply to autistic children? My 9 year old is vaxxed and had Covid, but doesn’t mask very well, mostly chews on it.
Posted on 1/25/2022 at 7:40 AM
Raven Editor of TDF Stages said:
Hi Tim, We understand how challenging it is for some children on the autism spectrum to mask, but the masking rules are determined by the Broadway League and apply to everyone. Since I assume you're interested in our upcoming Lion King Autism Friendly Performance I emailed you in order to talk further. Check your inbox!
Posted on 1/25/2022 at 8:22 AM
Amy said:
At least one theatre doesn’t require a booster- that technically isn't considered ‘full’ vaccination, I believe, despite saying here that ‘full vaccination’ is required by theatres. Wish it wasn’t so!
Posted on 3/1/2022 at 2:13 PM
Raven Editor of TDF Stages said:
Hi Amy, The CDC still defines "fully vaccinated" as two shots of a two-dose vaccine, or one shot of a one-dose vaccine. As of now, booster shots are not required to be considered fully vaccinated. All that said...I hear you. :) And many theatres beyond Broadway are requiring boosters. Broadway is not.
Posted on 3/1/2022 at 2:57 PM
Cora said:
Will the free government home test count? (For those with exemptions)
Posted on 3/16/2022 at 11:00 AM
Raven Editor of TDF Stages said:
Hi Cora, According to the Broadway League: "A negative COVID-19 rapid antigen test taken within 6 hours of the performance start time. The test results must clearly show the date and time of the test." So it would need to be a home test that can do that, and even then, it's up to the theater whether to accept. Some theater beyond Broadway don't allow unvaccinated patrons at all.
Posted on 3/16/2022 at 11:31 AM
Stephanie said:
On Broadway.org it clearly states that vaccine mandates will be lifted for ALL shows after Apr 30, 2022 yet your website states it will be "re-evaluated" as of that date. Why the difference and I assume Broadway.org decides and is most accurate.
Posted on 3/16/2022 at 10:13 PM
Raven Editor of TDF Stages said:
Hi Stephanie, That is incorrect. The rules may be lifted, they may be changed, we don't know yet. To quote the president of The Broadway League: "Our current guidance is through April 30, and we are scheduled to update that guidance on April 1. Discussions are held weekly on our protocols, and at this point, there is no change to our guidance. We will, of course, let you know when it changes."
Posted on 3/17/2022 at 10:06 AM
Liza said:
Hi. I have pictures of our vaccination cards on my iPhone, (not in the app). Will those pics be sufficient for proof of vaccination? Thank you!
Posted on 4/2/2022 at 6:34 PM
Raven Editor of TDF Stages said:
Hi Liza, Yes! A photo of your vaccination cards is sufficient proof. Make sure you have matching photo IDs. If your child is 12 to 17, they'll accept a school ID without a photo.
Posted on 4/3/2022 at 7:57 AM
Liza said:
Thank you! I wasn’t sure if a screen shot of our vaccination cards was enough. We will have the appropriate photo IDs with us. Thanks again!
Posted on 4/3/2022 at 8:30 AM
Amy said:
Will they accept a birth certificate for my 16 year old instead of a school i.d.?
Posted on 4/10/2022 at 7:31 PM
Raven Editor of TDF Stages said:
Hi Amy, Yes! For children ages 12 to 17, any form of ID, even one without a photo, is valid. The Broadway League says so right here, even though they don't give a birth certificate as an example: https://www.broadwayleague.com/covid-19-updates/ The name must match the name on the proof of vaccine.
Posted on 4/11/2022 at 9:46 AM
Tina said:
I’m fine with wearing a mask but feel proof of vaccination should no longer be required. It’s not required in sporting events, concerts, restaurants, airplanes. Enough already! We need to navigate life with variants of Covid indefinitely likely and keeping restrictions won’t be the answer.
Posted on 4/15/2022 at 2:27 PM
Harlee said:
I love theatre, but will only attend Broadway theatre productions if the theaters require masks and vaccinations. I did go to two shows in April as both proof of vaccinations and masks were required at these shows. Now I will check, as you suggest, that before I purchase any tickets beyond April 30th, I check with the theater for its policies. Thank you for keeping us updated!
Posted on 4/15/2022 at 10:25 PM
Jeana said:
If you show up without a mask accidentally, do they have any available? I’m terrible about losing mine!
Posted on 4/27/2022 at 3:13 AM
Raven Editor of TDF Stages said:
Hi Jeana, It depends on the theatre. I have been given masks at some Off-Broadway venues that don't like cloth masks, but never at a Broadway theatre. If you lose it and they don't have one, you can always hit a nearby Duane Reade to buy a pack of masks.
Posted on 4/27/2022 at 6:12 AM
Alan said:
Is a picture of the vaccine card valid or sino need to bring a physical copy of the card?
Posted on 4/27/2022 at 11:21 PM
Raven Editor of TDF Stages said:
Hi Alan, a photo of your vaccination card will be accepted! Remember, starting May 1, most Broadway theatres won't ask for proof of vaccination. Which show are you seeing when? I can let you know if they're asking for proof.
Posted on 4/28/2022 at 10:33 AM
Nathan Schutz said:
Hello, I'm not COVID vaccinated, but I'm planning to visit NYC on May 24th, and I wanted to know what Theaters won't require vaccination proof...?
Posted on 4/28/2022 at 8:19 PM
Raven Editor of TDF Stages said:
Hi Nathan, Which shows do you want to see? It's best to check their official websites for the most up-to-date info, but the majority of Broadway shows won't be checking vaccination status as of May 1. The only exceptions are listed above.
Posted on 4/29/2022 at 6:43 AM
Brenda said:
Will masks and/or vaccination cards be required at the Sunday’s Autism friendly performance of Aladdin? Thank you
Posted on 4/29/2022 at 6:53 PM
Raven Editor of TDF Stages said:
Hi Brenda, For tomorrow's AFP Aladdin performance, proof of full vaccination and masks are required for all ages. I just verified.
Posted on 4/30/2022 at 11:16 AM
Lauren said:
Are vaccines required for Hamilton shows during Memorial Day weekend?
Posted on 5/1/2022 at 10:14 PM
Raven Editor of TDF Stages said:
Hi Lauren, As of now Hamilton on Broadway is no longer requiring proof of vaccination, just masks. But you should check the show's official site closer to the date in case rules change: https://hamiltonmusical.com/new-york/tickets/
Posted on 5/2/2022 at 10:46 AM
Alan2 said:
Tina, Broadway theaters are a bit different than sporting events. They are smaller and more packed and viewers sit together for longer periods than at restaurants.
Posted on 5/11/2022 at 9:51 AM
Kelly said:
We are seeing Chicago and Phantom of the Opera May 16/17. We have cards however my 22yo child can’t find her hard copy but does have picture of hers on her phone. Will that be acceptable?
Posted on 5/11/2022 at 11:18 PM
Raven Editor of TDF Stages said:
Hi Kelly, Proof of vaccination is NO longer required for either of those shows on Broadway. So no need to show anything. That said, photos of vaccination cards are accepted for the few Broadway shows still checking (but Phantom and Chicago aren't checking). So you're all set.
Posted on 5/12/2022 at 6:27 AM
B. Jones said:
If Broadway and live performance want subscribers to attend frequently, mask and up to date vaccines must be mandated.
Posted on 5/20/2022 at 1:01 PM
John DeVito said:
Okay most Broadway Theaters have just dropped the vaccination requirement. The Metropolitan Opera and BIRDLAND have kept theirs. Isn’t it stupid that with the case numbers and hospitalizations on the rise, plus a new surge expected for this summer, Broadway producers and owners want to ignore common sense. How do the performers feel about this ? Maybe Trump-voter cash isn’t worth the risk !!!
Posted on 5/20/2022 at 2:48 PM
Estella Magi said:
I can’t wait to see a broadway show again!
Posted on 5/30/2022 at 7:12 PM
Jennifer said:
Do you know when the post-June 30 making policy will be announced? Waiting to buy tickets for a show in July until that is clarified Thank you!
Posted on 5/31/2022 at 11:07 AM
Rose said:
Hi, For the MJ Show if not vaccinated do I need to bring a PCR test
Posted on 6/2/2022 at 3:21 PM
Raven Editor of TDF Stages said:
Hi Rose, MJ is no longer checking vaccination status, so no need for a COVID test. You will need to wear a mask for now.
Posted on 6/2/2022 at 5:39 PM
NYC Love a Show said:
The performers cannot be continually exposed to the unmasked, untested and unvaccinated public at this time.Think about singing and dancing for thousands of strangers everyday, sometimes twice a day. If the cast gets sick, the show can’t always go on and you’ll have to get a rain check or refund. Because of economic factors, the show may also be forced to close permanently. Wear a mask for now
Posted on 6/11/2022 at 4:05 AM
Amy Rackear said:
Are refunds available for seats on or after July 1st already purchased?
Posted on 6/24/2022 at 1:48 AM
Raven Editor of TDF Stages said:
Hi Amy, Where did you purchase the tickets? Was it TDF? If so, comment back. If not, you need to ask your point of purchase, so Telecharge, Ticketmaster, wherever you bought the tickets.
Posted on 6/24/2022 at 9:00 AM
Carol said:
Sorry to see masks won’t be REQUIRED as of July 1st. It isn’t the time to loosen policies with so many people currently getting sick with Covid! ??
Posted on 6/24/2022 at 4:16 PM
Dana said:
I'm very upset that they are removing the mask requirement. As a frequent Broadway show audience member pre-covid, I will not be going to a theater any time in the foreseeable future.
Posted on 6/24/2022 at 4:17 PM
marianne ham said:
I am fully vaccinated. I do not plan to go to any Broadway show and sit without a mask in those very close and "old" settings. Most of the theatres are old and therefore seats are very close; air filter systems (if any) have probably not been upgraded and I'm sure the AC systems are equally as old. Too expensive to have such inconvenience and risk.
Posted on 6/24/2022 at 4:34 PM
Mark Carlson Dunaway said:
I’ve seen over 80 shows since September. With the new ‘optional’ rule I may not be on Broadway after the end of June. I have two operations scheduled for July and November. I can’t afford to get Covid.
Posted on 6/24/2022 at 4:40 PM
Mary Fong said:
I am so glad you are dropping mask policy. Actors are rarely within 6 feet of audience. Covid has mutated to a flu like disease and we need to get broadway working again and audiences who are mask averse back in those paying seats. Cudos to you for understanding the science!!
Posted on 6/25/2022 at 2:01 PM
Sonia Salas said:
Wonderful to see the freedom and option to mask or not. I shall be purchasing my tickets now to attend the theatre. The vaccine and boosters are available for those who wish to pursue this route, so no need to continue with restrictions. Plus, the fact is even the CDC admits to the same viral load between a vaccinated to an unvaccinated. Time for everyone to enjoy Broadway. Thanks!
Posted on 6/28/2022 at 12:51 AM
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