COVID-19 Policy - Youth Theatre Works

Fall 2021

COVID-19 Policies & Protocols

Dear Youth Theatre Works Family,

As we begin work on Anne of Green Gables, the production team wanted to let you know our COVID policies and protocols, so everyone can feel comfortable and safe working together indoors.

As you may know, the emergence of variants has caused some shifts in local policies and those shifts are reflected the the policies and protocols. It is so important, especially in our work with young people, to heed the best advice of scientists, epidemiologists and the specific guidance for schools and educational spaces. It is also important to note that, as these recommendations may change, Youth Theatre Works’ policies and protocols my shift as well.

We are purposely planning rehearsals that will limit the number of performers working together and help to keep physical contact to a minimum.

YTW Staff Responsibilities

Here is what you can expect when you are at the theatre:

PRECAUTIONS. All YTW staff are fully vaccinated.

There will be signage directing performers to the front (lobby) door of the theatre. This will be the only entrance point to the theatre.

We will be utilizing additional spaces (such as the lobby and green room) for rehearsal, to assure everyone gets adequate rehearsal time

Every time a performer or family member enters the theatre, they will go through our screening procedure, as detailed below.

CLEANING. We will be disinfecting the theatre, in accordance with the CDC and the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (CDPR) in a plan that includes:

Disinfect high touch surfaces, such as:

- Door handles
- Handrails
- Sinks, fixtures and toilets in the restrooms
- Props
- Stage equipment (curtain pulls, control boards, and so forth)

We will using disinfecting products approved for use against COVID-19, on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) list N, with special care to use the products with asthma-safer ingredients (such as hydrogen peroxide, citric acid, or lactic acid)

We will perform the disinfecting after each rehearsal, when performers are not present, in order to allow the space to air out before we will be using it again.

HAND SANITIZER We will provide hand sanitizing stations at the check in table, lobby and the theatre.

YTW Cast & Crew Responsibility

Here is what we expect of our performers and technicians while they are at the theatre:

FULL VACCINATION. Performers and their family members must have completed the COVID-19 vaccination series, including booster, at least 14 days prior to entering the theatre, which will be verified by presenting a vaccination card at the screening table outside the lobby entrance.

Please practice responsible social distancing. This means that, unless you are working a scene with someone, you are a minimum of 6 feet away from other people.

MASKS. Performers and technicians should use cloth face coverings over mouth and nose, especially when social distancing can’t be maintained. Complete and correct face covering (over both the mouth and the nose) should be used at all times during rehearsals, as well as when entering and exiting the building.

STAY HOME WHEN SICK. We all love participating in this creative work together, but we must emphasize that, for the good of everyone, ANYONE WHO IS SICK SHOULD STAY HOME.

In Case of a Positive Test

Here are our protocols in the case of a cast or crew member testing positive for COVID:

THEATRE SPACES. Close off areas used by any sick person for 24 hours and then performing a complete cleaning and disinfection.

COMMUNICATION. Notify families immediately of any possible cases of COVID-19 and inform families of our immediate plan in regard to further rehearsing. Additionally, please see the CUSD COVID-19 Flow Chart (to right) that outlines actions to take after different COVID events.

ILLNESS. Advise sick performers, technicians and staff not to return until they have met the CDC criteria to discontinue home isolation.

YTW Patrons Responsibilities

Here is what we expect of our audience members while they are at the theatre:

Our COVID-19 policy requires ticket holders to wear masks and to fully be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This vaccination policy is in effect for performances now through June 30, 2022 and will be reassessed on an ongoing basis. This policy is subject to change at any time. Prior to your performance, please check back here for any policy update.

Fully vaccinated means your performance is at least 14 days after your final vaccine dose (including booster). To enter the theater, please bring a photo ID and proof of vaccination, either your physical vaccination card, a picture of your vaccination card, or a digital vaccination card.

Guests under age 12 or those who need a reasonable accommodation for medical reasons or due to sincerely held religious beliefs must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to entering the theater. Children under five will not be admitted to the theater.

SCREENING PROCEDURES

This procedure applies to all individuals who wish to enter the building.

Sign in at outdoor check in table
Show vaccination card (auditions only)
Have a temperature check
Review symptom checklist
Sanitize hands

A symptom checklist will be posted at check-in. Performers and family members must answer NO to the questions and have a temperature that is BELOW 100 in order to enter the building.

Anyone entering the building must be wearing a mask that completely covers both the mouth and the nose and/or a face shield. YTW will provide a mask to anyone who lacks one.

Cleared individuals will be allowed entry after they sanitize their hands.