New COVID policies in effect this weekend at arts venues
On the brink of Columbus’ fall performance season, we announced that new COVID-19 policies would be implemented this weekend.
Starting Thursday, several performing-arts organizations will require all patrons, staff and volunteers to show proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to attend indoor showcases.
Participating organizations include Balletmet, the Columbus Symphony, Chamber Music Columbus, Chamber Music Connection, Opera Columbus, Contemporary American Theatre Company (CATCO), Jazz Arts Group, Promusica Chamber Orchestra, Shadowbox Live, Short North Stage, Broadway in Columbus and all venue spaces under the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA) umbrella, including the Palace Theatre, Southern Theatre, Lincoln Theatre, Drexel Theatre and Riffe Center theaters.
This collective move comes in response to the rise in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in Greater Columbus.
Anyone entering one of these performance venues must show full vaccination with an Astra Zeneca, J&J, Moderna or Pfizer vaccine or a negative COVID test with their valid ticket and corresponding government-issued ID.
The latest policy will coincide with the city’s mask mandate, requiring the use of face coverings inside facilities at all times.
For theater-goers, the new order will begin Thursday with the opening of Short North Stages’ revival of the musical “Young Frankenstein.” But even before the new policy’s announcement, other venues already had proof of vaccinations as a requirement for entry.
Not sure which venues require what? If you are going to an event this weekend and beyond, here’s a quick rundown.
• CAPA venues: Masks and proof of full vaccination with an Astra Zeneca, J&J, Moderna or Pfizer vaccine or a negative COVID test with their valid ticket and corresponding government-issued ID required.
• Promowest Productions, which owns and operates Express Live, Newport Music Hall, The Basement and A&R Music Bar: Proof of vaccination, or a negative COVID-19 test conducted no earlier than 72 hours before the date of a show and masks required.
• Nationwide and Value City arenas: Masks required.
• Natalie’s Coal-fired Pizza and Natalie’s Grandview: Proof of full vaccination (card or photo), along with photo ID, or a valid negative COVID-19 test result 48 hours prior to entry.
• CATCO: All patrons, staff and volunteers to show proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 no earlier than 72 hours before the date of a show. Masks are also required.
• Evolution Theatre Co.: Proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result and masks needed.
• Shadowbox Live: Masks, proof of full vaccination or a valid negative COVID-19
test result are required.
• Madlab Theatre: Masks required regardless of vaccination status. Proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test will go into effect Oct. 15.
• Red Herring Theater Co.:face masks required.
• The Summit Music Hall: Masks are to be worn by all employees and guests are encouraged to wear them regardless of vaccination status. Upon an artist’s request, proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result may be required.
• Rumba Cafe: Requires proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test within 72 hours of the show
• Ruby Tuesday: Masks required.
• The Spacebar: Proof of full vaccination and face masks required. A negative test result is unacceptable for entry.
• Rambling House: Proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours required. ehopkins@dispatch.com @Earl_hopkins1