Broadway has extended its mask and vaccination policy for theatergoers through April 30, 2022, the Broadway League announced Monday.
Children between the ages of five and 11 will be required to show full proof of vaccination to attend theater starting Jan. 29, in line with the new city mandate. As of December, children had been required to show proof of receiving one dose of the vaccine to attend a performance.
The Broadway League has not yet made an announcement on whether booster shots will be required for admittance. Asked whether booster shots will be considered for audience members, Broadway League President Charlotte St. Martin said the League continues to follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The League is “strongly encouraging” booster shots for employees of Broadway productions and is in talks with unions about formalizing the policy.
Off-Broadway theaters, including Playwrights Horizons and the Public Theater, and New York City Center recently announced policies requiring booster shots, in addition to a full vaccination series, starting at varying points this month. The Metropolitan Opera was one of the first arts organizations to announce a booster shot policy for attendees.
The Broadway League has also extended the industry policy allowing theatergoers to refund or exchange tickets up until 48 hours before the performance.
The vaccine requirement for children comes as part of former Mayor Bill de Blasio’s citywide mandate for indoor activities. As of Jan. 29, children between the ages of five and 11 are required to be fully vaccinated to take part in indoor dining, enter a gym or see a movie, among other activities.
The League’s current policy requiring mask wearing and proof of vaccination was set to expire Feb. 28.
