This event may take place sooner than we think, but the reopening of the Great White Way comes with some guidelines that The Actors Equity Association (AEA) will follow when the lights come back on.
The guidelines, released Tuesday, will be implemented to ensure the safety of actors and stage crew so that they are not treated like “epidemiological guinea pigs” writing Deadline.
“I don’t think that making everything safe for the audience – even if it’s important – and letting people on stage be epidemiological guinea pigs is the right answer,” Equity President Kate Shindle said.
Four guidelines for reopening Broadway are:
- The epidemic must be controlled, with effective testing, several new cases in the area and contact tracing
- Individuals who may be contagious can be easily identified and isolated, with regular, regular and accurate testing with quick results
- The way we conduct auditions, rehearsals, performances and stage management may need to be changed and the venues where we work may need to undergo changes to reduce risk
- Efforts to control COVID-19 exposure must be collaborative in nature, involving Equity members, employers, trade unions, and all other parties involved in theater production. There must be joint evaluation and ongoing evaluation and improvement of health and safety practices.
The guidelines were presented by AEA officials and public safety consultant Dr. David Michaels, who said that a more detailed plan was being carried out, but it was still too early to give anything concrete.
“These four principles are the foundation for our continued work with Dr. Michaels, “said Executive Director, Mary McColl.
“We intend to establish a protocol that can be used by our superiors and all our colleagues to ensure that everyone who works in the theater has the safest workplace.”
As of now, Broadway is scheduled to reopen on September 8, provided it meets the guidelines, as well as the direction of the city itself.
