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Now that in-person concerts and events are back in action, here are the COVID-19 rules to note at your favorite Westchester venues.
By Julia Paino and Mackenzie Tatananni
We did a bit a research to bring you COVID-based restrictions and policies at some of the larger local venues. However, keep in mind that all information below is subject to change at any time, so make sure to check with your venue ahead of time.
The Bedford Playhouse
According to a Bedford Playhouse representative, “During hours when The Bedford Playhouse is open to the public, masks must be worn by all patrons and staff, regardless of vaccination status, while moving about the building. Once patrons are seated in an auditorium or the café, they may remove their mask.” Staff may remove masks when in non-public areas of the building, but must maintain proper social distance from other employees while unmasked. Disposable masks will be available for those patrons and staff who forgot to bring one.
“Thursdays will serve as vaccination-only days (“Vax Days”) at BPH. On these days, we will require proof of COVID-19 vaccination paired with valid photo identification prior to entering the facility. All on-premises staff on Vax Days will be fully vaccinated. Proof of vaccination may include your vaccination card, a legible copy of the card on your phone, or the New York State Excelsior Pass, plus your photo ID. Both of these items must be presented for admission in person when you arrive at the theater. Results from COVID testing will not be accepted. We ask that patrons have their documents ready to present at the door upon arrival. Patrons will not be permitted inside the facility without proof of vaccination. BPH’s mask policy will remain in effect on Vax Days.”
“Special Vax Days signage will be posted at the entrance to the facility reminding patrons to have verification of vaccination status along with proper identification. No deliveries or service calls will be accepted beginning two hours prior to the first showtime on Vax Days. Additional Vax Days, or individual vaccinated-only screenings, may be added periodically. Vax Days will be listed on the individual showtimes on the BPH website.”
“Patrons may register their vaccination cards with BPH at the Box Office during normal Box Office hours. Once patrons are registered, they need only show their valid state ID to gain entry on Vax Days.”
“All staff, regardless of vaccination status, are required to take weekly COVID-19 antigen tests. These rapid tests will be provided onsite by BPH at no cost to staff. Any employee testing positive will be required to take a second test to confirm status. If positive results are confirmed, the infected staff member will be sent home and advised to contact their physician. Affected staff members will not be allowed on property until a negative test result has been received. Should a staff member test positive, contact tracing procedures will immediately go into effect. BPH is also offering Private Pod Screenings in all theaters: Patrons can rent one of the theaters for a pod screening during regularly scheduled showtimes.”
“All HVAC systems have been checked and upgraded for increased ventilation throughout the facility. The venue’s air filtration system has been upgraded to include MERV-13 filters. Employees are trained on hand hygiene practices and are required to wash hands frequently at easily accessible hand-washing facilities. Hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol (EPA-approved ethanol or isopropyl) is offered in easily accessible public areas. Auditoriums are carefully disinfected between movie screenings. High-touch surfaces throughout the facility are wiped down periodically with EPA-registered disinfectant. All employees are trained on the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 as well as local theater policies and procedures.”
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The Capitol Theatre
According to the theater’s website, “All patrons 12 and over must show proof of either full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours of entry. You are considered ‘fully vaccinated’ at least two weeks following either a second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Patrons over 18 will need to present an ID matching the name on their vaccine documentation. Acceptable methods for providing proof of COVID-19 vaccination include: Excelsior Pass, NYC COVID Safe App, CDC Vaccination Card, or a NYC Vaccination Record. If you received the vaccine outside the U.S., you must have an official immunization record that includes: First name and last name, Date of birth, Vaccine product name (only vaccines authorized by the WHO are acceptable), Date(s) administered, Site where the vaccine was administered, or name of the person who administered it.
“The venue will accept either a negative rapid antigen test or PCR test as proof of testing results. No antibody test results will be accepted. Paper or digital copies are acceptable.
Children under the age of 12 are required to wear masks at all times while in the Capitol Theatre or Garcia’s, except while eating or drinking. All patrons are encouraged to wear masks while in the venues. Staff of the Capitol Theatre and Garcia’s is fully vaccinated and will wear masks at all times while inside the venues. Regardless of vaccination status, all patrons are strongly encouraged to wear masks at all times. Patrons standing in the front row of a performance at Garcia’s must wear a mask at all times. Check event page for specifics about the show that you are seeing.”
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Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts
According to a Caramoor representative, “For all of Caramoor’s indoor performances, it is required that all guests be vaccinated against COVID-19. Guests are not able to “opt-out” of this vaccine requirement via testing. Additionally, all guests are asked to wear masks at all times when indoors at Caramoor, or when interacting with staff or other guests. We are not currently distancing any of the seating in our venues, but we are paying close attention to all public health guidelines and are prepared to adapt if necessary.
“Guests can provide proof of vaccination through any verified means. These include the CDC-issued “vaccine card” (either in its original form, as a photocopy, or as a photo on your phone) or via any of the existing digital “vaccine passes” (Excelsior Pass, NYC COVID Safe, etc.).
“In addition to our requirements for guests, all public-facing staff members are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Caramoor has also enhanced all of its cleaning measures, reduced physical content by pivoting their ticketing and program books to 100% digital, upgraded ventilation systems with a medical-grade HEPA-13 air filter, and positioned hand sanitizer throughout indoor spaces. More information on all of this can be found at caramoor.org.”
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Emelin Theatre
According to a statement by the Emelin, “proof of COVID-19 vaccination and matching identification will be required to gain admittance to the Emelin. Please consider using the Excelsior Pass to save your vaccination credentials on your phone. Masks must be worn at all times by all patrons, employees, and artists with the exception of the artists performing on stage. Entry will be denied to anyone who does not provide the documentation or does not follow Emelin Theatre protocols. The Emelin reserves the right to change and adapt our COVID-19 policies as necessary as laws, mandates, guidelines, health risks, and industry practices change.”
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The Palace Stamford
According to a Palace representative, “Proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or a negative COVID test is required for all patrons, staff, volunteers, performers, and backstage crew entering the building. Masks are also required at all times while inside The Palace, regardless of vaccination status, except when eating or drinking in designated areas. Patrons under 12 are not required to show proof of a negative COVID test, but must be accompanied by a ticket-holding adult that meets the requirement for vaccination or a negative test.
“Proof of vaccination must come directly from the healthcare provider who administered the vaccination, and patrons may display proof on a smartphone or present a physical copy. Fully vaccinated means the day of the performance is at least 14 days after the patron’s second dose of an FDA or WHO approved two-dose COVID-19 vaccine (such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines) or at least 14 days after their single dose of an FDA or WHO approved single-dose COVID-19 vaccine (such as the J&J vaccine). A negative COVID test administered by a health care provider must be either a negative COVID-19 antigen test taken within six hours of the performance start time or a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of the performance start time.
“In addition to proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test, a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, must be shown for all patrons 18 years and older. Those younger than 18 may use a government-issued photo ID or school photo ID along with proof of vaccination or negative COVID test.”
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Paramount Hudson Valley Theater
According to a Paramount representative, “The Paramount Hudson Valley follows the most recent CDC and government guidelines. All adult guests must be fully vaccinated or show proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours to enter the theater and must present digital or physical proof at the door. Children under 12 may also show proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours. This is required for all shows. Patrons may show digital or physical proof of vaccination.”
“There will be frequent disinfecting in all high-traffic areas. The Paramount has hand-sanitizing stations located in a variety of high traffic areas around the theater. Both before and after every performance, Paramount’s team will carefully disinfect all flat surfaces, door handles, armrests, handrails, restrooms, box office counter, and point of sale terminals with EPA-approved cleaning products and will wipe down and utilize a disinfectant spray on all theater seating.”
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The Ridgefield Playhouse
According to a Playhouse Representative, “The Ridgefield Playhouse is following Connecticut Safety Guidelines to continually serve and protect patrons and community. Face masks are required for all indoor shows, and they must cover your nose, mouth, and chin. Face masks will be provided to those who do not have one.
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“Policies may change depending on whether an artist’s tour is mandating proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test done at least 72 hours prior to the show date for entry; check individual shows.”
“In order to mitigate gathering in aisles, ushers will take you to your seat. Social distancing must be maintained in the lobby and bathrooms. Hand sanitizer is accessible in all public areas. Our HVAC systems have been updated with CDC recommended MERV 13 filters. All employees are fully vaccinated and must wear a mask at all times; all employees are also trained in venue hygiene and disinfecting practices and are required to wash their hands frequently. Seating areas are carefully disinfected between showtimes and high touch surfaces are wiped down with EPA-registered disinfectant.”
Tarrytown Music Hall
According to a Tarrytown Music Hall representative, “this is a moving target, as situation and recommendations change, but at the moment, we are doing ‘Vaccinated only, masks required. Children under 12 with recent negative test.’”
“We accept proof of vaccinations as outlined by NYS, i.e., CDC cards or digital reproduction of it, as well as through NY Excelsior Pass App. Some shows may vary if there are special requests from an artist. We expect these restrictions to remain more or less this way to at least year’s end, but we monitor the situation continuously. We have installed high-grade air filters, ionization units, and extra fresh air intakes.”
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White Plains Performing Arts Center
According to a WPH representative, “the wearing of masks is still required at the White Plains Performing Arts Center. We do not ask for proof of vaccination; we insist on the wearing of masks at all times within our facility.”
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“The WPPAC is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before any public event. We also have installed a state-of-the-art air purification system. The WPPAC has installed a state-of-the-art air purification system into the HVAC unit to provide cleaner air to the space and combat the spread of COVID-19. With the use of this great technology from GPS, we are able to not only filter out harmful pathogens with our new filters but ALSO add ionization purifiers to clean the air before it even reenters the venue! GPS ionization permanently reduces or eliminates the indoor air of particulates, pathogens, mold spores, and viruses…specifically the coronavirus (COVID-19).”
Read More: Can the Show Go on for Westchester’s Entertainment Venues?
