Employees will check ID’s at the door.
Frederick, Md (KM) Weinberg Center patrons need to be vaccinated against COVID-19, or show proof they’ve had a negative COVID test within the past 72 hours. Executive Theater Manager John Healey says this policy, which goes into affect on September 1st, is in accordance with US Centers for Disease Control recommendations.
He says Weinberg personnel will check ID cards of anyone coming in. “You can have the physical card that you got when you got your vaccine, or you can even have a copy of it your telephone as well just to show us. And we’ll try to make the process quick and easy as possible,” he says.
Those without proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test will not be allowed inside. “We urge people to come a little bit earlier to our shows because we know that checking this ID is going to be a little bit time consuming,” says Healey.
Masks will also be required when inside the theater. “We’re not even going to open up bar and concessions just to encourage people to keep their masks on while they’re in the theater,” he says.
“This is a policy that right now will go through October 31st. But is subject to change. Let’s hope the numbers go back down so we can go back to something close to normal,” Healey continues. .
This policy applies to not only just patrons, but performers, staff and volunteers.
Anyone whose purchased tickets in advance for Weinberg shows, but can’t come in because they can’t produce proof that they’ve been vaccinated or a negative COVID test can get refunds. “You can ask for a refund for a show up to 48-hours prior to that show,” says Healey.
The Maryland Ensemble Theater has also adopted a similar policy. “While none of us expected this predicament, when we were given permission to re-open our doors, this is the only reliable way to keep our students, our performers and our audience as safe as possible while allowing us to re-open,” says MET Managing Director Kathryn Vicere, in a statement. “Following the lead of Broadway and DC theaters, this, it seems, has become the concession we need to make sure that we can get back to creating great theater for our community. We are hopeful our audiences will be understanding and accommodating and joyfully take their seats this fall.” .
By Kevin McManus