Cultural District venues will require vaccination or negative virus test

As the Pittsburgh Cultural District prepares to open fully, it is announcing new rules for entry into its theaters and galleries.

Proof of vaccination, with some exceptions, will be required at Heinz Hall, the Benedum Center and Byham Theater, along with Arcade Comedy Theater, August Wilson African American Cultural Center, Greer Cabaret Theater,

Harris Theater, Liberty Magic, O’Reilly Theater and 937 Liberty.

Masks will also be required indoors while COVID-19 transmission in Allegheny County is at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention levels of “substantial” or “high.” Some events will require audiences to remain masked regardless of community spread. These shows will be noted at the point of ticket purchase.

Guests will be required to show proof that they are fully vaccinated for COVID-19, meaning that they had received their second dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine or their single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least 14 days prior. A vaccination card, a photo of the card or a photo of it stored on a phone will be accepted, along with photo ID.

There are exemptions for children under 12 and people with a medical condition or closely held religious belief that prevents vaccination. Those guests must provide proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of the performance start time or of a negative COVID19 antigen test taken within 24 hours of the start time. Those tests must be administered by an official testing center.

“Amid rising COVID-19 cases and the increasing threat of the delta variant, we are implementing this layer of defense to provide the highest level of public safety for audiences, staff, volunteers and artists,” Scott Shiller, the Pittsburgh

Cultural Trust’s vice president of artistic planning and the head of the Roadmap to Reopening committee, said in a statement. “We feel that this measure, hopefully a temporary one, will allow arts venues to open and remain open while individuals take the best precautions for their own health and safety.

“We all need to work together to successfully combat this virus and

end the pandemic. I know our Pittsburgh community is up for the challenge.”

The vaccine and masking policies are set to run at least through Nov. 30.

The trust also noted in a news release that Cultural District organizations have each implemented a number of “layers of defense,” including heating, ventilation and air-conditioning upgrades to enhance air filtration and quality; the installation of touchless fixtures in all venues; enhanced cleaning processes and procedures across all venues; staff COVID-19 compliance officer training; and the use of Evolv security screening, which is designed to expedite the entry processes and limit physical contact.

All staff, volunteers and artists in Cultural District venues are required to be vaccinated fully and to mask up when not performing. Regular testing will also be utilized to ensure that those backstage remain healthy.

Joining in the announcement, via the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council, were the following organizations: Arcade Comedy Theater, Attack Theatre, August Wilson African American Cultural Center, barebones productions, Belle Voci, Bricolage, Calliope: The Pittsburgh Folk Music Society, City of Asylum, City

Theatre, MCG Jazz, Off the Wall Productions/Carnegie Stage, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Pittsburgh CLO, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Pittsburgh Musical Theater, Pittsburgh Opera, Pittsburgh Playwrights, Pittsburgh Public Theater, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Point Park University’s Pittsburgh Playhouse, and Quantum Theatre.

More information is available at trustarts.org/health.