DC Theaters to Require Proof of Vaccination

It’s a big deal for artists and creatives who have been waiting to work again for over a year and a half, but if you want to see DC theatre actors take the stage, they’ll require you to prove you’ve taken your shot.

Theatres across the greater Washington, D.C. area announced Thursday afternoon that they have united to require that their audiences provide proof of vaccination to attend all live public performances at their indoor venues through December 2021. Masks will also be required for audiences inside the theatres, except while eating or drinking in designated locations.

These theatres include: Arena Stage, Atlas Performing Arts Center, Constellation Theatre Company, GALA Hispanic Theatre, The Keegan Theatre, Mosaic Theater Company of DC, Round House Theatre, Shakespeare Theatre Company, Signature Theatre, Studio Theatre, Synetic Theater, Theater J, and Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company. (More theatres may be participating than are listed.)

In addition to audiences, these theatres have mandated COVID vaccinations for performers and theatre staff.

But there are some exemptions, including those who are unable to be vaccinated, people with certain medical conditions preventing vaccination, or those with closely held religious beliefs that prevent vaccination. These patrons must provide proof of a timely negative COVID-19 test—as defined by each venue—before performance start time.