Actors' Equity-Approved Theaters & Productions - January 2021
Check out the list of theaters approved for productions this month!
By: Stephi Wild Jan. 09, 2021
As the country is continuing the adapt to the new normal in a COVID-19 world, Actors' Equity has been hard at work making sure all theaters that are approved to re-open meet all health and safety standards.
In 2020, the first two Equity-approved shows were performed in Massachusetts, Harry Clarke at Barrington Stage Company and Godspell at Berkshire Theatre Group. Since then, more theatres across the country have been approved by Equity to produce shows.
Below, check out the current list of Equity-approved theatres, sorted by state, as well as any upcoming events they may have planned.
Connecticut
ACT of Connecticut
Past Events:
The Last Five Years ran October 28 - November 15.
ACT of Connecticut is requiring all patrons wear masks at all productions, and practice social distancing. Hand sanitizer stations are available throughout the building, and extensive cleaning and sanitization procedures have been instituted before, between, and following all performances.
The theatre has no upcoming events at this time. Stay up to date here.
Music Theatre of Connecticut
Past Events:
Fully Committed ran September 11-27.
RFK ran October 23 - November 8.
Music Theatre of Connecticut has implemented "timed seating" to stagger when patrons enter the theatre. Additionally, all guests are required to wear masks, and will be temperature check. Programs will be digital, and there will be hand sanitizer throughout.
The theatre has no upcoming events at this time. Stay up to date here.
Florida
Miami New Drama
Past Events:
Seven Deadly Sins ran November 27 - January 3.
This event took place at an outdoor venue. Indoor stages feature acts performing behind glass windows. Masks are required to attend the production, as well as six-foot social distancing. Hand sanitizer will be provided at the theatre.
The theatre has no upcoming events at this time. Stay up to date here.
Georgia
Alliance Theatre
Past Events:
A Christmas Carol ran December 4-23, 2020.
This event was socially-distanced, in that it is a drive-in production, where all patrons stayed safely in their cars.
The theatre has no upcoming events at this time. Stay up to datehere.
Illinois
Goodman Theatre
Past Events:
Fannie Lou Hamer, Speak On It! ran September 17 - October 8, 2020.
In the coming months, the Goodman will finalize its COVID-19 protocols in conjunction with state and local health authorities to ensure the safety of artists, staff and audiences. They will present their plan in detail before performances resume.
The Goodman Theatre has announced its 2021 season, but dates have yet to be announced. Stay up to date here.
Massachusetts
Barrington Stage Company
Past Events:
Harry Clarke ran August 5-16.
For this production, the company removed seating, reducing its house capacity to 163 down from over 500. The company also committed to an isolated backstage area and regular electrostatic spraying to clean the facilities.
The theatre has no upcoming events at this time. Stay up to date here.
Berkshire Theatre Group
Past Events:
Godspell ran August 7-September 20.
Sixth Annual Children's Holiday Extravaganza took place on November 29.
Holiday Memories ran November 20-December 20.
Temperature scans and contactless ticket scanning were done for patrons at their point of entry. Free-standing hand sanitizer stations are placed at various locations throughout the space. Patrons are required to wear masks. One way traffic patterns are enforced.
The theatre has no upcoming events at this time. Stay up to date here.
Central Square Theater
Past Events:
Front Porch@Starlight ran October 3.
The First Pineapple and Other Folktales ran September 16-17.
Thurgood ran September 18-20.
Audience members are at least 10-feet from the performers (when performing) at all times. If the performance includes singing, audience members are at least 25 feet away from the nearest performer. All Front of House (FOH) staff will be tested for COVID-19 on a weekly basis.
The theatre has no upcoming events at this time. Stay up to date here.
The Hanover Theatre Repertory
Past Events:
Poe Double Header ran October 1-25.
All patrons are required to wear masks, and are temperature checked upon arrival. Each patron group is seated at its own cafe table. Cafe tables are distanced from one another by 6 feet or more.
The theatre has no upcoming events at this time. Stay up to date here.
Maine
Portland Stage
Past Events:
Talley's Folly ran October 29 - November 15.
A Christmas Carol ran December 3-24.
Masks are required to enter the Portland Stage Building. Masks must tightly cover the mouth and nose and must remain on at all times.
The theatre has no upcoming events at this time. Stay up to date here.
New Hampshire
Weathervane Theatre
Past Events:
Little Shop of Horrors ran September 9-October 10.
Miracle on South Division St. ran September 11-October 8.
The World Goes 'Round ran September 16-October 9.
Audiences were capped at 25% capacity and be socially distanced throughout the theatre. Masks are required on the premises. Complimentary disposable masks are available upon entry and sanitization stations are located at all entrances. After every performance the facilities are professionally deep cleaned.
The theatre has no upcoming events at this time. Stay up to date here.
New Jersey
Premiere Stages at Kean University
Past Events:
Fannie Lou Hamer, Speak On It! ran October 15 - 18.
All patrons were required to have their temperatures checked in their vehicles and were asked a series of COVID-19 related questions. Face coverings or masks must be worn by all audience members in attendance. Hand sanitizer stations are available throughout the grounds of the Museum. All seating is sanitized between performances.
The theatre has no upcoming events at this time. Stay up to date here.
East Lynne Theater Company
Past Events:
Nothing Matters ran October 14 - November 21.
This play is only available virtually. It took artistic director Gayle Stahlhuth three months to negotiate a contract with Actors' Equity Association (AEA), the union for actors and stage managers, so that ELTC could fully rehearse and perform NOTHING MATTERS. AEA would only allow filming, with no live audience.
The theatre has no upcoming events at this time. Stay up to date here.
New York
The Billie Holiday Theatre
Past Events:
12 Angry Men...And Women ran September 12.
The production was presented online, via YouTube. The Billie brought these 12 stories to audiences in the community and online, allowing the Theatre to safely be able to serve its audiences and to continue to explore its foray into virtual storytelling.
The theatre has no upcoming events at this time. Stay up to date here.
Rhode Island
Wilbury Theatre Group
Past Events:
Constellations ran December 3-19.
Reimagined for the COVID-era, this production was performed drive-in style at the WaterFire Theater Under the Stars at the WaterFire Arts Center. All guests enjoyed the show from the safety and comfort of their cars. Performers appeared live on stage, with live video feed projections and audio sent directly to patrons through their FM radio.
The theatre has no upcoming events at this time. Stay up to date here.
Vermont
Northern Stage
Past Events:
It's Fine, I'm Fine ran October 7 - 25.
Necessary Laughter: The Naked Librarian by Marisa Smith, On the Harmful Effects of Tobacco by Anton Checkhov, streamed November 12 - 29.
Health and safety protocols include a new air filtration system, a mandatory two-week quarantining of actors, weekly testing, mask mandates, daily health screenings, enforced social distancing, and limiting audience numbers to 40 people.
The theatre has no upcoming events at this time. Stay up to date here.
Washington, DC
Arena Stage
Past Events:
Fannie Lou Hamer, Speak On It!, ran October 23-30.
Heightened cleaning procedures and sanitizing stations are in place. Temperature checks are required for all artists, staff and audience members. Social distancing and masks are required.
The theatre has no upcoming events at this time. Stay up to date here.
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