EP Policy to Protect You As We Reopen
/After the last year and half, if there’s anything we know for certain, it’s that nothing is certain. Health and safety protocols are constantly changing and evolving in regards to how businesses and organizations address COVID-19. At the Evergreen Playhouse, our first commitment is to the health and safety of our actors, our crew, our volunteers, and our patrons. We anticipate that our protocols will continue to evolve throughout this coming season.
The Evergreen Playhouse joins other local arts organizations, including Harlequin Productions, The Washington Center for the Performing Arts and the Olympia Film Society, as well as other regional arts organizations including Tacoma Little Theater, Tacoma Musical Playhouse, the Seattle Symphony, the Pacific Northwest Ballet, The Seattle Repertory Theatre, the 5th Avenue Theatre, A Contemporary Theatre (ACT), Village Theatre, and Seattle Theatre Group in requiring proof of vaccination with photo ID for patrons 12 and up for entry to all performances. Masks will also be required for audiences inside the theatre, except while actively eating or drinking.
The EP has been working on implementing strategies (many of which were already in place for staff and performers) to minimize the risk of COVID-19. Here is an overview of how we will be operating:
All patrons 12 and up will need to provide their physical vaccination card or photocopy of their card with photo ID (photos of cards on electronic devices will not be accepted)
Masks will be required at all times unless actively eating or drinking
Masks must be worn covering the mouth and nose
Children under 12 must wear a mask at all times
This policy has been implemented based on the rapid rise of the COVID-19 variants, feedback from patrons, actors, the EP Board of Directors, and follows along the lines of other area theatrical organizations. These guidelines will also be utilized for EP’s staff (including backstage crew and front of house staff), artists and performers, and volunteers.
Under this policy, guests will need to be fully vaccinated with a CDC/WHO authorized vaccine in order to attend a performance and must show proof of vaccination at their time of entry into the theatre with their valid ticket. “Fully vaccinated” means the performance date must be at least 14 days after the second dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine, or at least 14 days after a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine.
AUDIENCES
PROOF OF VACCINATION
The following are acceptable as proof of full vaccination:
Vaccination card (which includes name of person vaccinated, type of vaccine provided and date last dose administered) OR
a photocopy of a vaccination card as a separate document OR
documentation of vaccination from a healthcare provider electronic health record or state Immunization Information System record.
Matching photo ID required at the door
Self-reported vaccination records that are not verified by a healthcare provider or photos of cards on electronic devices cannot be accepted.
If for some reason you do not have the proper documentation available when you arrive at the theatre, you will be offered a voucher for a future performance.
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS AND PROTECTION
To help ensure the safety of audiences, masks are required for all audience members. EP volunteers will also be required to wear a mask.
We will be following all Lewis County Health Department guidelines on capacity
Additional hand sanitizing stations will be located throughout the building
Additional signage recommending hand sanitizing and hand washing will be posted
Prior to audience arrival:
Thorough wiping and disinfecting of commonly touched surfaces and fixtures
Restrooms and lobby cleaned and disinfected
Prior to and after intermission:
Thorough wiping and disinfecting of commonly touched surfaces and fixtures
Restrooms and lobby cleaned and disinfected
Following audience departure:
Thorough wiping and disinfecting of commonly touched surfaces and fixtures
Thorough sweeping, mopping and vacuuming of the theatre
Thorough disinfecting throughout seating areas
PERFORMERS
Because we recognize that onstage and backstage areas have limited space, EP is primarily placing a very strong emphasis on cleanliness and hygiene throughout the rehearsal and performance process. Our minimum guidelines for cast and crew will involve:
Vaccinations
Vaccinations are now required for all performers eligible for a COVID vaccine. All actors that audition for EP productions will be asked for their vaccination status on audition forms. All vaccine-eligible people who are cast for EP productions must show proof of vaccination prior to the start of rehearsal. This is to protect all others involved in the productions.
Masks
All cast members will be required to be masked via face masks, shields, bandannas or scarfs during all rehearsals when not actively performing. Masks and face shields can be provided on request by the EP. All actors will be required to wear masks backstage when they are not performing. At this time, we do not plan to wear masks or shields during performances for those 12 and up, though children under 12 will be using clear face masks during the performance and onstage.
Symptoms
If a cast member is experiencing any suspected COVID symptoms, they must be immediately reported to the production stage manager assigned to the production. Those with suspected COVID cases will be recommended to stay home. The cast member will be allowed to return to rehearsal after providing proof of a negative test and no symptoms.
Inside the Evergreen Playhouse
Masks must be worn at all times, unless actors are actively performing. Crew members will wear masks during all performances. Cast and crew members are encouraged to bring and use hand sanitizer, which will also be provided by the EP throughout backstage.
Cast and crew members will maintain acceptable social distancing whenever possible.
No visitors will be allowed backstage.
The Evergreen Playhouse will continue to update our COVID protocols and policies as needed in the future to ensure the health and safety of all involved with the EP. If you have any questions about the EP’s COVID protocols, please contact us.
FAQs
Q. Are face coverings or masks required?
A. Yes, appropriate face masks covering the nose and mouth are required to be worn by everyone entering and exiting the facility.
Q. I can’t wear a face mask, what are my options?
A. Face masks are required to enter the facility and at all times inside the venue. If you are unable or unwilling to wear an appropriate face mask covering your nose and mouth, we cannot allow you indoor seating at this time. Our guidelines may change, so please check back with us. In the meantime, we look forward to welcoming you back to the theater when face masks are no longer a necessity for large group gatherings.
Q. What if I cannot get the vaccine?
A. At this time, we can only allow those that are fully vaccinated access inside our small theater space. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Q. I don’t have proof of vaccination, can I get a refund?
A. Yes, ticket holders that are unwilling or unable to comply with the above COVID-19 protocols have until two weeks before their event to request a refund. No refunds will be given if there is no timely communication prior to the event.
Q. I lost my card; how do I get a replacement?
A. For misplaced cards, contact your vaccine provider or the State Department Immunization Information System.
Q. What if I buy tickets and the performance gets cancelled?
A. We want our patrons to feel confident about their ticket purchases. If a show is rescheduled, your tickets will automatically transfer to the new date. Can’t attend the new date? Call the Box Office and we will assist you with your flexible options. If a show is cancelled altogether, we will offer a full refund of the ticket price.
Q. What if I buy tickets and am sick or in contact with someone sick with COVID?
A. We want all our patrons to feel confident in their ticket purchases. In the event you are exposed to or contract COVID-19, you may:
Gift your tickets to a friend, OR
Donate your tickets back to the Center, OR
Exchange your tickets for another event in the future OR
Request a refund of the ticket price.
Q. How are you cleaning the theater between events?
A. After each event our team will sanitize the seating area, restrooms, and all other high-traffic and high-touch areas to prepare for the next patrons to safely utilize the building.