Actors’ Equity has approved the safety plan for the filming of “Diana” on Netflix, the union announced Wednesday.
The safety plan includes “an isolation plan” for the actors and stage managers involved in the show, changes to the ventilation system in the Longacre Theatre — where the musical will be shot — and COVID-19 testing for Equity members. This is the first Broadway-adjacent safety plan to be publicly approved by Equity.
“Much of the work that Equity staff is currently doing involves collaborating with producers on health and safety protocols,” said Mary McColl, executive Director of Actors’ Equity in a press release. “Today, we can announce that we have approved a safety plan for Diana. Now comes the hard part – taking a safety plan from the page and putting it into practice. The work to provide the safest workplace possible in this environment will require everyone to work together, from the employer to every employee.”
“Diana” plans to shoot the musical in the Longacre Theatre without an audience.
The producers of “Diana” worked with Equity, Dr. David Michaels, who is consulting on safety guidelines for the union and the producers’ own medical expert from the Cleveland Clinic on safety protocols.
The musical is also planning for a Broadway opening on May 25, 2021.
The union said it reviews safety plans and questions on health and safety from producers on a daily basis. Equity recently approved an outdoor production of “Godspell” at Berkshire Theater Group in Massachusetts, as well as an indoor one-man show of “Harry Clarke” at Barrington Stage Company.
