Health and Safety

The health and well-being of our patrons, staff, and artists are our top priority at STC. Based on audience surveys, CDC recommendations, and the countless hours of work and data analysis of our in-house Covid-19 Committee, STC has developed (and will continue to develop) policies and procedures to best serve everyone entering our theatre and spaces. 

 
Beginning with our production of Much Ado About Nothing this November, STC will be hosting Mask Required performances on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Sundays and Mask Recommended performances on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.  

 
Mask Required Performances: 
All STC productions performed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Sundays will require audience members to remain masked at all times—including during the performance—except when actively eating or drinking. 

 
Mask Recommended Performances: 
All STC productions performed on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays will be mask optional (but recommended). 

 
Thank you for keeping the safety and well-being of our staff, artists, and your fellow patrons at the forefront of your experience with STC. Thank you for continuing to support live theatre. We’ll see you at the next show. 

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STC has mandated COVID vaccinations for performers and theatre staff. We encourage all eligible patrons to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccines are free, safe, and effective, and currently available for everyone ages 6 months and older. For more information about the vaccine or how to schedule a vaccine appointment, please visit one of the links below:

D.C. Residents  

Maryland Residents

Virginia Residents 

Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

These health and safety policies will be re-assessed on an ongoing basis. To learn more about the participating theatres and their policies, please visit TheatreWashington.org. Theatre Washington, the area’s alliance of theatre organizations, theatre-makers, and theatre supporters, will serve as a hub of information for participating venues and their safety requirement policies.

SPECIAL EVENTS: As of September 10, 2021 proof of vaccination is mandatory for all donor events with no exceptions.

On June 11, Washington, D.C., allowed large entertainment venues—such as STC’s two theatres—to reopen with no capacity restrictions. 

Only performers and people invited onstage for talkbacks will be unmasked. We ask that attendees remain masked while within our venues, including during performances, unless they are eating and drinking in designated lobby areas. We will continue to keep our Health and Safety guidelines up-to-date.

Guidelines

  • All staff, volunteers, and visitors will wear face masks in our buildings. Only performers and guests invited onstage may be unmasked. 
  • We request that any patron who is feeling ill to please stay home. Our staff, artists, and volunteers will do the same.
  • Before your event, we will email an STC Virtual Valet message which will include all of our safety guidelines.
  • Trained Safety Compliance Officers will be at every performance.

Enhanced Cleaning Procedures

  • In addition to our normal cleaning process, we will increase the cleaning of all public spaces, including the theatres, lobbies, and restrooms.
  • We thoroughly disinfect door handles, counters, and all shared surfaces prior to every performance.
  • Hand sanitizer stations are available throughout the building.

Air Flow

  • Our theatre’s HVAC system meets the current recommended air-flow guidelines with MERV-13 air filters.
  • The HVAC system will use fresh air only (not recycled), before and during all events.

Tickets & Seating

  • The Box Office will not be printing physical tickets unless requested by the patron. All patrons will receive their tickets through email and will be scanned for entrance in the lobby. Ushers can scan phone displays or print outs of tickets.
  • House Managers will be present to direct patrons and offer assistance.

Programs

  • Our programs will be digital. In addition to information about the production, programs will offer enhanced content including videos and other interactive features. Programs will be accessible through our website and sent in a Virtual Valet email prior to each performance.

Our Guarantee

  • We recognize these are uncertain times. If for any reason we must cancel a performance we will honor our audience’s commitment to STC by offering a full array of ticket exchange and refund options.

Audience Feedback

  • We’re not done. These plans and procedures are under constant review to safeguard STC patrons. We welcome all feedback and recommendations for improvements. Please email STCBox@ShakespeareTheatre.org to let our Safety Committee know your ideas and concerns.