Gov. DeWine announces guidelines for performing arts theaters

• Conduct daily health symptom assessments.
• Anyone experiencing COVID-19 symptoms must stay home.
• Maintain a minimum of 6 feet between individuals when not rehearsing/performing. When rehearsing/performing, maintain physical distance to the extent possible. When not possible, limit the amount and length of close contact as much as possible.
• To the extent possible, minimize cross-team contact between actors, stage managers, directing staff, music team, choreography team, creative team, and production staff.
• No congregating before or after practices/rehearsals/ performances is permitted
• Directors, producers, conductors, employees and volunteers must wear face coverings at all times, andactors, dancers, musicians and other performers must wear face coverings when not rehearsing/performing, except for previously listed exceptions
• Strictly follow Ohio’s face coverings Order when out in public in order to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19 and potentially spreading it during practices/ rehearsals/performances

For patrons:

• Patrons must conduct daily health symptom assessments before each performance.
• Anyone experiencing COVID-19 symptoms must stay home
• The maximum number of individuals gathered in an OUTDOOR venue is the lesser of 15% of fixed, seated capacity or 1,500 individuals. The maximum number of individuals gathered in an INDOOR venue is the lesser of 15% of fixed, seating capacity or 300 individuals
• Social distancing must be maintained throughout the venue, and seating must be arranged and assigned to allow for 6 feet in each direction between groups of: (1) No more than four individuals, or (2) Members of one household
• Family members should sit together, socially distanced from other individuals/family groups.
• Patrons must wear face coverings at all times except for previously listed exceptions
• No congregating before or after performances is permitted.

For auditions:

• Modify the process of auditions, rehearsals and performances to maintain a minimum of 6 feet among individuals to the extent possible. When not possible, limit the amount and length of close contact as much as possible. • Reduce the length of rehearsals to the extent possible.
• Congregating before or after auditions, rehearsals, and performances is not permitted.
• Close contact between performers and patrons before and after performances is prohibited (including backstage and post-performance meet-and-greets).

For equipment:

• Whenever possible, equipment should not be shared, such as microphones and props. When equipment must be shared, it should be disinfected between uses.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched equipment, props, etc., between rehearsals and performances.
• Personal items in dressing rooms, etc., must have proper separation and must not be shared.
• Do not share towels or facial coverings.
• Do not share water bottles or other drinks.
• Do not share food.

For Facilities/Venues:

• Promote good hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette
• Make hand sanitizer readily available in convenient locations.
• In “know before you go” communications to patrons, let them know that face coverings must be worn at all times, especially during intermission and in restrooms, except for allowable exceptions (see “Patrons” section).
• Where a box office/will call window does not already have a glass partition between ticketing staff and patrons, install a physical barrier to maintain social distancing.
• Establish directional pathways using signage and floor markings/visual cues, etc., to manage the flow of patrons to promote social distancing at the box office/will call window, when entering and exiting the theater, during the security/bag check, coat check, intermission, in and out of restrooms, at retail/ concessions operations, etc.
• Monitor and limit the number of individuals in the lobby area and restrooms to enable at least 6 feet of social distancing.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces regularly (e.g., door and sink handles, handrails, etc.), including after intermission and between performances.
• Adequate time should be allotted between performances to allow for proper cleaning and disinfection.
• Dressing rooms and other shared spaces should be cleaned and sanitized frequently. Individuals must maintain social distancing while in these rooms, and facial coverings must be worn at all times.
• If performing inside, ensure ventilation systems or fans operate properly. Increase circulation of outdoor air as much as possible.
• Discontinue use of self-service racks of flyers, brochures, etc., promoting upcoming performances, etc.
• Promote through signage at least 6 feet of social distancing and no congregating permitted.

For Intermissions:

• If an intermission is held, announce at the start that facial coverings must be worn, congregating in the lobby is prohibited, and patrons should return to their seats as quickly as possible.

For Musicians/Orchestras:

• Because playing some musical instruments involves breathing deeply and expelling air forcefully, the risk of airborne transmission of the coronavirus may be increased. Their performance space onstage and in orchestra pits should be arranged to maximize as much social distancing as possible.
• Onstage performers should maintain at least 6 feet of social distancing (and preferably more) from musicians who are also onstage or in the orchestra pit.

For Food Service Operations:

• Theaters with food service operations must follow Ohio’s guidance for “Restaurants, Bars, Banquet & Catering Facilities/Services”

For Retail Operations:

• Theaters with retail operations must follow Ohio’s “Consumer, Retail, Service and Entertainment” guidance

For Confirmed Cases:

• Immediately isolate and seek medical care for any individual who becomes ill or develops symptoms.
• Contact the local health district about suspected COVID-19 cases or exposure.
• An individual who tests positive for COVID-19, whether symptomatic or asymptomatic, must not return to work until (1) Meeting the CDC requirements for ending self-isolation using either a symptom-based or test-based strategy.**
• An individual who had close contact (within six feet of an infected individual for at least 15 minutes), or who had direct physical contact with the person, or who were coughed or sneezed on by the infected person, must self-quarantine for 14 days following exposure based on CDC guidance.*** Individuals may return to work afterward if they have not had any COVID-19 symptoms.

The full guidelines can be found here.