Amidst the uncertainty faced by the country as new COVID-19 cases are discovered, prudence will always dictate that staying at home and catching up on your favorite streaming programs is the best way to go. Already, some theater companies have either canceled or rescheduled their shows in favor of safety while some have taken the necessary precautions at their performance venues. If you feel confident to venture out if you are still holding tickets to shows that have yet to cancel (“The show must go on”, and all that jazz), and you wouldn’t want to see those orchestra center go to waste, please take the time to heed some friendly theater advisory in this time of COVID-19 to ensure your general health and well-being, as well as the health and well-being of your fellow audience members as well as the actors:
- First things first! If you or any of your family members have been ill presently or recently, or have any travel history from countries affected by COVID-19, err on the side of caution and avoid crowded places such as malls, churches, or theatrical venues. Stay at home and give your favorite Original Broadway Cast album a whirl. Check the theatre company website or social media account for updates on whether the show is being canceled or rescheduled. That way, you can either postpone your night at the theatre until this virus blows over or request for a refund.
- Cooperate if ever there are any precautionary measures such as temperature checks at the venue. If you’re wearing headgear like hats or wigs, you can volunteer your wrist as an alternative site for a reading. Hats and wigs can slightly raise the surface temperature of your temples which may result in a slightly inaccurate reading. Remember: you can always request for another reading if you believe the initial one reads a little too high. If the readings are consistent however, keep calm and do not blow a fuse: please take note that these safety measures are as much about your safety as it is for others.
- Always remember to wash your hands regularly and as frequently as you are able. You can make a mental note to wash hands when you arrive at the theater, during the intermission, and once more before you leave. Proper handwashing techniques and duration should also be observed, check the DOH website for the complete guide to proper handwashing.
- Bring your own hand sanitizer. Not just for your hands, but also for surfaces that you may want to disinfect if you’re feeling extra careful. Not all venues may offer hand sanitizers for your use.
- Wear a mask if it makes you feel safer, though this is generally not required if you’re not sick. We would still recommend bringing one for yourself (especially if it’s a smash hit and the audience is full), and one extra (just in case you have a seatmate who is coughing or sneezing).
- Avoid unnecessarily staying after the performance. Hold off meet & greets with the cast if not absolutely necessary. Any time you can shave off in terms of your exposure to large crowds could prove to be useful in ensuring that you won’t catch the virus.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, as much as possible we would like the theatre-loving public to remain healthy and whole during this challenging time. If it can be helped, it’s always best to defer going on a night out, but if you absolutely must, it’s important to minimize your risk for exposure. Stay safe out there!
ADVISORY
(as of 8AM of March 12, 2020)
- Tabing Ilog The Musical – this week’s performance will be rescheduled.
- Next to Normal – March 11-18 shows are canceled
- Dekada ’70 – March 12-14 shows are postponed to either September or October 2020
- Anna in the Tropics – plans to proceed with opening night on Friday, March 13 at 8PM. The advisory also includes that “Repertory Philippines, along with Ayala Corporation, is taking all necessary precautions to ensure everyone’s safety.”
- Nana Rosa – March 12-15 shows will be postponed to a later date.
- Every Brilliant Thing & Lungs – A rep from The Sandbox Collective said that “Maybank Theater has canceled all events and shows until this weekend- this includes our preview show for Lungs and our weekend shows as well. These shows will be postponed to another date.”
- The Band’s Visit & Oliver – all performances are canceled. Tickets will be refunded.
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