How to enjoy live theatre while staying safe during the COVID-19 pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has touched everyone’s life and has made an impact on how we socialize, work, and enjoy life. The Canadian theatre industry has been impacted like any other business but has struggled to stay afloat amongst closures and restrictions put in place by the BC government.
Theatre events have been on the edge of closure, teetering between closed altogether or open with many protocols in place to have a live audience. The Actors Workshop Theatre has many protocols in place to keep its audience members safe. AWT requires all audience members to wear masks, hand sanitize upon entry, physically distance from others that are not in their bubble and remain seated until instructed to leave.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), their website describes how masks can help slow the transmission of COVID-19. The website states that masks are best used with other methods and can help slow the transmission in conjunction with physical distancing and frequent sanitation. It would be a good idea to bring your mask next time you go to a theatre event, as they are most likely required anyway.
The WHO also has resources regarding how the virus is transmitted and what people can do to limit the transmission of COVID-19, including frequent hand washing and sanitizing, touching fewer surfaces and making sure spaces are well ventilated.
Considering a global pandemic is going on, what can people do to support theatre in their communities without leaving their homes? Many theatre companies are now producing shows for the web, either live streaming their productions or prerecording their shows for online viewers to enjoy from home. Licensing companies are also helping to create theatre during the pandemic, by giving theatres the right to produce and put theatrical content on the web, when normally this is not possible.
Theatre professionals and companies are all struggling financially, with the lack of work and uncertainty as to when they can go back. Although some companies have reopened, many are subject to be closed until 2021. Purchasing tickets for online viewing of a show is another great way to support theatre (and enjoy it!) during an unpredictable time. The Actors Workshop Theatre has a prerecorded show that people can purchase tickets to, which will be available from Dec 7-21.
Enjoying theatre during a pandemic can be diffcult. Going out to shows may be an impossible task for you, whether they’re closed or maybe you personally don’t feel safe enough to attend. Watching theatre online is a great way to support local theatres while enjoying the arts. There are all types of performances online from realism to abstract work and any of them would be happy to have you as their online audience member.
To learn more about Drinking in America at AWT, contact Elizabeth Nygren, Public Relations Personnel at Actors Workshop Theatre at elizabethnygren1998@gmail.com.