Most Broadway Theaters to Drop Vaccine Checks, but Mask is Mandate
The owners and operators of the 41 theaters have decided to relax audience safety protocols that have been in place since last summer. In March, they have announced Broadway’s mask-and-vaccine policy will remain in effect at least through April despite New York City’s just-announced easing of Covid rules. Most Broadway theaters have decided to stop checking the vaccination status of ticket holders after April 30, but all will continue to require that audience members wear masks inside theaters through at least May 31.
The Broadway League, a trade association, announced the change on Friday. The decision was made by the owners and operators of Broadway’s 41 theaters, who had initially decided to require vaccines and masks last summer, before the city imposed its own mandates. The theater owners — six commercial and four nonprofit entities — have been periodically reconsidering the protocols ever since.
They announced the decision as many governments and businesses nationwide have been loosening restrictions, but with cases rising in New York City and the virus forcing several Broadway shows to cancel performances in recent days.
