T&G’s Covid Plan

COVID Frequently Asked Questions

Note: Policy is subject to change as the COVID situation and relevant guidance changes over time.

As we make a return to the theater, we understand that our community may have questions about what precautions T&G is taking to ensure the safety of all involved. Read on to learn how T&G is creating a safe environment.

What will auditions look like?

For the safety of our community, Town & Gown requires all cast and crew members to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. If you will not yet be two weeks past your second shot (or the J&J shot) at the time of auditions, please contact the director to arrange a Zoom audition instead at auditions@townandgownplayers.org.

What will rehearsals look like?

The cast and crew (including all set call members) must be fully vaccinated. Due to limited space in the dressing rooms and on stage, social distancing will be impossible. This is the best option to protect our members and productions going forward.

T&G defines a “fully vaccinated” individual as one who has received their second shot of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines OR a single shot of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and has received the final shot at least 14 days before the first rehearsal. The Board of Directors must also be fully vaccinated.

Mask wearing and social distancing during times of high transmission may be required.

What happens if someone comes down with COVID? 

Anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID (as defined by the CDC) must report their illness to the Director. The Director must report the individual’s illness to the Board of Directors immediately.

The person experiencing symptoms will get PCR tested. During this time, in-person rehearsals will be paused for 72 hours starting when the ill person first contacts the Director.

If the ill person’s test is negative, rehearsals resume. 

If the ill person’s test is positive, the ill person isolates for 10 days after receiving the positive test and must receive a negative PCR test before returning to rehearsal. Also, if the ill person’s first test is positive, the rest of the cast and crew must also be tested. 

If all cast and crew receive negative tests, rehearsals resume. If one or more cast and crew members receive positive tests, rehearsals pause for 10 days and everyone must be retested. Rehearsals will not resume until all cast and crew receive negative PCR test results.

What are audience requirements during performances?

To attend a Town & Gown performance, all audience members must provide proof of vaccination (with identification), with the final shot occurring 2 weeks before the performance they wish to attend, and wear masks while indoors. 

To limit the number of people in close quarters, the lobby doors will not open until the house is open (i.e., there will be no milling about in the lobby before the show begins). 

T&G will reduce seating capacity going forward. The seating chart will allow for single seats, groups of two, groups of three, and groups of four. This policy was updated at March 2022 Board of Directors meeting to increase seating to full capacity.

No tickets will be sold at the door. All tickets will be sold in advance via townandgownplayers.org.

No physical programs will be distributed, and a digital program will be made available.

There will be no food or drink sold, and outside food and drink will not be permitted.

After the show, T&G will not hold a customary indoor Meet and Greet, nor will a reception be held. Audience members will be encouraged to vacate the building as soon as possible and limit milling about. All are welcome to congregate in the garden or the building’s other outside spaces as they please.