Flagstaff Music Theatre and Theatrikos Announce Vaccination and Mask Requirement for Audiences

from our friends at Theatrikos:

The Board of Directors of both Theatrikos Theatre Company and Flagstaff Music Theatre approved mandates requiring that all patrons who attend shows, and the cast and crew and staff and volunteers who create them, will be required to show proof of vaccine upon admission to the two Flagstaff theatres.  (Patrons may alternately show proof of a negative covid test with the prior 72 hours.) 

Theatrikos and Flagstaff Music Theatre join Orpheum and a dozen other independent venues in Arizona in making this united decision.  For FMT and Theatrikos, the policy goes into effect on September 30, preview night of Theatrikos’ next show I Hate Hamlet. 

Under the policy, patrons will need to be fully vaccinated with an FDA or WHO authorized vaccine in order to attend a show and must show proof of vaccination upon entry into the theatre. “Fully vaccinated” means the performance date must be at least 14 days after the second dose of a two-dose covid-19 vaccine, or at least 14 days after a single-dose covid-19 vaccine.  Those who are unable to be vaccinated, such as children under 12 or those who are immunocompromised, may show a negative covid test that has been received within 72 hours of the show.

On July 30, Broadway League made the same decision for all Broadway theartres.  Charlotte St. Martin, President of the Broadway League said, “Vaccination has proven the most effective way to stay healthy and reduce transmission.”  Theatrikos and FMT are following Broadway’s lead.

“With the recent spike in coronavirus due to the delta variant, this vaccine mandate is the best way for arts organizations like Flagstaff Music Theatre, Theatrikos and Orpheum to move forward safely,” said Kathleen Leatherwood, President of FMT.

“Together with Theatrikos and a dozen independent venues throughout Arizona, starting with any events after September 20, Orpheum will start requiring proof of vaccines for all audiences.  It’s the best way to continue to provide great entertainment and keep our Flagstaff home safe,” said Susan Walter, General Manager of the Orpheum.

“With these safety protocols in place and recognizing the high vaccination rates among Flagstaff theatre audiences, Theatrikos continues to make safety our priority,” said Terri Brenneman, President of Theatrikos Board of Directors.  “As we gradually reopen, Theatrikos, Orpheum and Flagstaff Music Theatre are all committed to keeping our cast and crew and audience as safe as possible in these tumultuous times. We’re eager to welcome our many patrons and fans back to the magic of live theatre.”

“In theatre we live by the adage, ‘The show must go on.’  But more importantly than that is the health and welfare of our Flagstaff community,” said Theatrikos Safety Coordinator Issi Rayner-Fried.  “As a public venue, we take our responsibility to our community very seriously.” 

Theatrikos has maintained a mask mandate and social distancing for all shows since partially reopening last month.  For both Theatrikos and FMT, the mask mandate and 3’ social distancing, one empty seat between groups, will both remain in place.  Crew and patrons of both theatre companies wear masks at all times—throughout the entire performance.  Cast wears masks during all rehearsals and whenever they are back stage. Cast only removes their masks when on stage performing.  Concessions will remain closed so there is no need to remove the mask. 

The vaccine and mask mandate remains in effect during Flagstaff Music Theatre’s October music review and at least until the November 7 closing of TheatriKids Zombie Prom performance workshop.  The policy will be reevaluated by both organizations on an ongoing basis. 

Theatrikos and FMT’s websites and tickets will have a notice that reads as follows, “By purchasing tickets for this show, I confirm that at the time of the show I have been fully vaccinated against covid-19 (14 days past final vaccination shot), and will provide proof of vaccination prior to entering Doris Harper-White Playhouse.  We advise you to arrive at the theatre a few minutes earlier than usual to account for this check-in process.”

Performances of Theatrikos’ anti-Shakespeare comedy I Hate Hamlet are Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 pm and Sunday matinees at 2 pm, October 1—17, 2021.  The usual opening reception has been cancelled due to safety protocols.  Tickets can be purchased online at Theatrikos.com; by calling 928 774 1662; or by visiting the theatre’s box office, which is open from noon to 6 pm Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and two hours prior to each performance.

Flagstaff Music Theatre will be presenting a 25th anniversary revue the weekend of October 22.  The revue will take audience members on a musical journey from FMT’s beginnings in light opera, through their 2019 hit production, Mamma Mia!. Artists from FMT’s 25 year history will present classics from Pirates of Penzance, Fiddler on the Roof and Oklahoma!, along with more contemporary fare from Legally Blonde, Reefer Madness and Mamma Mia!—and everything in between. Tickets on sale soon.