All Broadway Theatres to Require Masks Through May 31, Proof of Vaccination Varies
Although New York City lifted its mask and vaccine mandates on March 7, 2022, the Broadway League has its own COVID-19 safety protocols. On Friday, April 15, the organization announced that:
Masks Through May 31 for Broadway Shows
Audiences of all ages will be required to wear masks inside Broadway theatres through Tuesday, May 31, except while actively eating or drinking. Masking rules for June and July will be determined in mid-May.
Vaccine Rules Through April 30 for Broadway Shows
Through Saturday, April 30, audiences of all ages must show proof of full vaccination with an FDA or WHO authorized vaccine. Theatregoers ages 18 and up must also present a photo ID such as a driver's license or passport. Audiences ages 12 to 17 can use a school ID or birth certificate without a photo; children ages 5 to 11 do not need an ID but must be accompanied by an adult. For those unvaccinated due to age, medical condition or religious beliefs, you must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of showtime, or a negative COVID-19 antigen test taken within six hours of when the curtain rises. Note that many Broadway theatres do not allow children under age 5. Check the show's official site for age restrictions.
Vaccine Rules Starting May 1 for Broadway Shows
Starting Sunday, May 1, individual Broadway theatres can decide whether to ask for proof of vaccination. That means before attending a show, you should check its official website for COVID-19 protocols, or ask the rules at your point of purchase. As per The New York Times, the overwhelming majority of Broadway theatres will lift the requirement, including all Shubert, Nederlander, Jujamcyn and Ambassador houses, Disney's New Amsterdam Theatre, Second Stage Theater's Hayes Theater and the Circle in the Square. Many nonprofit theatre companies with Broadway houses are keeping the vaccine requirement in place for May, including Lincoln Center Theater's Vivian Beaumont Theater, Manhattan Theatre Club's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre and Roundabout Theatre Company's American Airlines Theatre. (Roundabout's Stephen Sondheim Theatre and Studio 54 are currently being rented by commercial producers, who will be allowed to set their own rules.) So, as of May 1, the only Broadway productions requiring proof of vaccination are Birthday Candles, How I Learned to Drive and The Skin of Our Teeth.
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 to avoid confusion or disappointment.
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