Actors' Equity Association and the Broadway League have announced an agreement on safety protocols for production contract shows on Broadway and sit-down productions across the country.
Key provisions of the agreement include improved HVAC standards, mandated vaccines for the workforce (with the exception of those who cannot do so for reasons such as age or risks to their health), weekly testing for employees and allowance for modifications to the protocols where necessary for individual shows or locations.
"This is an important milestone on the path to getting all our members safely back to work," said Mary McColl, executive director for Actors' Equity Association, in a statement."We are grateful to the League for their partnership on these protocols. We all feel this plan is robust, adaptable to changing conditions and in line with the science. Vaccines work, and those who are vaccinated will protect both themselves and those who can't be at this time."
Charlotte St. Martin, president of the Broadway League, went on to say, "The secure return of our casts, crews and employees is our top priority. The Broadway League and Equity, faced with ever-changing COVID related variables, have agreed on health and safety protocols for actors and stage managers returning to Broadway. We will continue to partner with our union colleagues as we work together towards raising all of our curtains again."
Click here for a complete guide to Broadway's reopening.