Health and Safety at ASC
updated 8.4.2022
Beginning with the opening of Pass Over on August 11, 2022 the ASC will no longer require proof of vaccination or universal masking. We strongly encourage patrons to mask when possible. ASC is monitoring local, state, and federal guidelines and will update this policy as necessary.
WHAT YOU NEED WHEN ATTENDING THE ASC
PROOF OF VACCINATION AND YOUR PHOTO ID
- Under the guidance of our medical partners, and in order to provide the safest experience possible for patrons and staff— starting September 16, 2021, the American Shakespeare Center will be requiring audiences to provide proof of full vaccination, paired with a valid photo ID, to attend shows at ASC.
- If you are unable to be vaccinated due to a sincerely held religious belief, a medical condition, or because you are under age 5—ASC will accept proof of a negative NAAT or PCR COVID test (taken no more than 72 hours prior to your visit to the Playhouse), paired with valid photo ID.
- Find a Virginia vaccination site or Virginia testing site
YOUR FAVORITE MASK
The ASC is practicing universal masking for all patrons, staff, and volunteers—regardless of vaccination status. These steps, recommended by our medical advisors, provide the best layers of protection.
A SELF SYMPTOM CHECK
We ask that patrons do a symptom check based on the graphic below. If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please do not attend a performance. If you cannot attend a performance due to illness, we are offering a flexible rescheduling and refund policy. Please get in touch with our Box Office! (E-mail, or call1.877.MUCH.ADO)
Arriving at the Playhouse
How do you define fully vaccinated?
“Fully vaccinated” means that either 14 days have passed since receiving the second dose of FDA or WHO authorized double-dose vaccines (Moderna, Pfizer/BionTech, AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine) or that 14 days have passed since receiving the sole dose of FDA or WHO authorized single-dose vaccines (Johnson and Johnson (Janssen)).
What types of proof are accepted for vaccination?
You can bring a physical copy of your vaccine card, a photo on a phone, a printout/digital image from your medical provider, or a printout/digital image from your state’s vaccine registry. All images must have the name of the vaccinated individual and dates visible. ASC is not currently able to accept third party app proof of vaccination.
Do I need anything else?
Please provide a valid form of photo ID alongside your vaccination/negative test proof. Children too young to have ID can be verified by their parent or guardian.
WHAT IF I FORGET MY PROOF OF VACCINATION?
We are happy to offer a refund, exchange your tickets for a different performance, or provide a placeholder for any ASC performance (good for a calendar year).
DO I HAVE TO SHOW MY VACCINATION CARD AT EVERY SINGLE PERFORMANCE?
Yes; in order to protect the privacy of our audience members, we will not keep copies of our patrons’ vaccination records.
Will masks still be required?
Yes; masks, covering the face and nose, are also required for all patrons, staff, and volunteers while inside the Blackfriars Playhouse.
Why are masks still required?
The guidance of our medical professionals is that masking, regardless of vaccination status, is still the best way to prevent community transmission. All of our safety measures work together. A mask is great, vaccinations are great—together they are excellent.
Are your staff members and performers vaccinated?
Yes, all staff members and performers are vaccinated and subject to the same rules regarding masking (unless performing).
what does this mean for check-in?
You will be able to check in starting 45 minutes prior to the show outside the Playhouse. A member of ASC’s staff will be ready to greet you and verify the ticket, vaccination proof, and valid photo ID of each member of your party. Please arrive at the Playhouse with your digital tickets and vaccination proof ready on your phone or printed. Lobbies and seating open 30 minutes prior to the show.
What if I am unable to be vaccinated?
If you are unable to be vaccinated due to a sincerely held religious belief, medical reason, or because of age—we are able to accept proof of a negative NAAT or PCR COVID test taken no more than 72 hours prior to the performance date. The requirement of universal masking remains in effect. Bring your negative test result, or a picture of it with the date and name clearly visible, that is no more than 72 hours old, with you the day of the performance. Please provide a valid form of photo ID alongside your negative test proof.
What about Children?
Children under the age of 12, or who are otherwise unvaccinated, can submit the same negative NAAT or PCR COVID test taken within no more than 72 hours prior to the performance date.
Will a store-bought Rapid Test be accepted?
At home tests will not be accepted as we cannot verify who took the test.
Where can I be tested?
Use the link below for Virginia testing sites. Please note that these generally require an appointment in advance.
https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/covid-19-testing-sites/
Where can I be vaccinated?
Use the link below for Virginia Vaccination sites.
https://vaccinate.virginia.gov
What if I am not vaccinated and cannot test before I come to the ASC?
We will rebook your tickets, refund your order, or issue you a placeholder based on your preference. If this applies to individual members of your party, we are able to rebook, refund, or placeholder partial orders, if the rest of the party still wishes to attend.
Want to know more about the ASC’s mitigations to provide a safe environment for audiences, performers, and staff?
See our complete SafeStart COVID19 Guide.
Who should I contact if I have additional questions?
Please call the box office at (877) MUCH-ADO or email info@americanshakespearecenter.com The Box Office is open Tuesday – Friday 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM and Saturday – Sunday 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
