Another theater asks for proof of vaccination

San Jose’s 3Below Theaters join Tabard Theatre in requiring shot or a negative test

San Jose’s 3Below Theaters complex — a downtown venue with theaters for both first-run movies and live stage shows — has announced that it will start admitting only vaccinated patrons.

So far, the policy has met with overwhelming support, owners Scott and

Shannon Guggenheim said.

“We are getting a negative response from maybe 1 (compared with) 100 extremely positive responses,” Scott Guggenheim said.

The Guggenheims decided it was time to encourage what they say public health officials are calling the best defense against COVID-19 and its virulent delta variant.

“To expect our team to come to work and risk transmission of the virus from an unvaccinated patron, potentially carrying it to someone in their family who cannot receive the vaccine or who is immunocompromised, is no longer something we are willing to do,” the Guggenheims said in their note to movie patrons and theatergoers.

Once they show their proof of vaccination or a current negative COVID-19 test, customers may watch a movie and eat in the cafe while maskless, the policy says.

Currently showing at 3Below are Disney’s “Jungle Cruise,” “Space Jam: A New Legacy,” “Val” and “The Green Knight.”

The 3Below group joins the nearby Tabard Theatre Co. in requiring proof of vaccination from patrons. Tabard, located at downtown’s San Pedro Square, instituted the policy in May when it first started transitioning from virtual productions to live productions with just a limited number of audience members in the historic building.

“We wanted to make sure our audiences were feeling secure,” said Jonathan Rhys Williams, Tabard’s executive artistic director.

Now, he said, with rising numbers of cases in the Bay Area, “We’re going to stay vigilant and continue that policy for the near future.”

The mandate applies to all shows that take place at the Tabard, including the upcoming Speakeasy Mondays, “Open a New Window” cabaret nights and the Big Band Celebration Aug. 12-15, timed to coincide with the San Jose Jazz

Summer Fest.

Both venues are checking vaccination cards and IDS at the door.

For any unvaccinated patrons who have purchased advance tickets, 3Below is offering refunds and exchanges.

Contact Linda Zavoral at 408-920-5960.