Capital Region Venues Decide to Require Masks

Group of non-profit performing arts venues and producers seeks to keep doors open while keeping patrons, artists, and staff safe

Throughout the global COVID-19 pandemic, the leaders of the Capital Region’s major non-profit performing arts venues have been hosting regular teleconferences to explore the impact of the pandemic shutdown on the region’s creative economy and share best practices for reopening and operating. Today, amidst rising cases of COVID-19 and the highly contagious Delta variant, the leaders of this Capital Region Arts Restart Coalition have announced their decision to require that patrons and staff wear masks at indoor events in the performance venues they represent. This includes Proctors Collaborative, the Palace Theatre, Saratoga Performing Arts Center’s indoor spaces, Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, Cohoes Music Hall, Capital Repertory Theatre, The Egg Performing Arts Center, Universal Preservation Hall, Caffè Lena, Hudson Hall, and at all performances by Albany Symphony Orchestra.

The organizations, speaking as one, released the following statement: “Arts venues are a vitally important cultural and economic asset to the Capital Region community. The nearly sixteen-month shutdown of live events had a devastating impact on our organizations and the arts and entertainment industry across the globe. While we have been pleased, in recent months, to begin reopening our doors to audiences, we must all acknowledge that the pandemic continues. Patron, artist, and staff safety is our top priority, and we have collectively decided, given the recent increased virus caseload in our region, to follow guidance from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and require that patrons wear masks at indoor events at our venues, effective immediately. The science is clear that masking is an effective tool in stopping the spread of COVID-19, and this step will help us to continue to serve our audiences safely. We also strongly encourage all Capital Region residents to get vaccinated as soon as they are able so that we can collectively beat this virus and return to normal, everyday life as soon as possible. We appreciate the patience and understanding of our audiences as we take steps to continue bringing live arts events to our region amidst the current challenging circumstances.”

Patrons are encouraged to visit the websites of each individual organization for further guidance on other requirements and procedures that may be in place at various venues.