Posts Tagged COVID-19

COVID-19 Health and Safety Information

Update September 21, 2022

  • Starting October 19 with the first performance of Fire in the New World, masks will be required for Thursday evening performances and Sunday matinee performances only, with encouraged but optional masks for Friday and Saturday performances.
  • Should you wish to adjust your tickets for Fire in the New World, please contact the box office. They are happy to assist with changes to accommodate your needs.
  • It is no longer required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative test results to attend performances.

As COVID-19 prevention efforts evolve, Park Square and Steppingstone Theatres are committed to keeping artists, community members, and patrons safe, and the return to live theatre on track. Behind the scenes, we will still be following rigorous vaccination, masking, and testing protocols as even a single case of COVID-19 among the artists at work in the theatre could result in missed rehearsals and cancelled performances.

Our mask policy is evaluated and updated on a regular basis, with Park Square and Steppingstone following the information at covidactnow.org and other reporting sites for the Twin Cities metro area.

Thank you for your support and adaptability and we look forward to seeing you at the theatre!

Vaccination policy

It is no longer required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative test results to attend performances.

Mask policy

All patrons, staff and volunteers are required to wear masks inside the venue during masked performances, except while eating or drinking. Masks must cover the nose and mouth. Masks with a valve, gaiters, scarves, etc. are not permitted. All performances of The Humans require masks, and Thursday and Sunday performances of Fire in the New World will require masks. 

Classes and camps

Camps will follow the successful covid-safety policies developed for SteppingStone camps during the spring and summer of 2021. Masks are highly recommended for young artists participating in camps.

Air quality

Park Square’s air system brings in fresh air from the outside to help limit the spread of airborne viruses like COVID-19. In addition, several updates have been made to further improve air safety inside the theatre:

  • The outside air handling system for all of the Park Square Theatre spaces was replaced in 2020 to improve outside air intake, mix, and filtration. Four separate air handling units maximize the intake of fresh air and independently control the air supply to each theatre and the backstage and lobby areas. This system is automated to maintain temperature, humidity and duct static pressure based on demand and scheduling.  
  • Upgrades to the Boss Theatre air exchange system have been recently completed and have improved the air exchange and refresh rate.

Capacity limits and Physical distancing 

At this time, no changes have been made to our audience capacity except at the request of partnering organizations. The Proscenium Stage seats 350 people and the Boss Stage seats 200 people. 

Cleaning and sanitizing

In addition to the robust cleaning practices that were already in place, we have:

  • Added a complete space sanitization protocol after each performance
  • Increased the frequency of cleaning throughout the building for high-touch areas in the front of house and back of house areas throughout the building
  • Set up hand-sanitizing stations throughout the venue
  • Trained all employees in critical hand washing and cleaning guidelines

Guest responsibility

We ask that guests stay home if they are sick or exposed to COVID-19. Please contact the box office to transfer your tickets to another performance, donate your tickets, or request a refund. Contact the ticket office at tickets@parksquaretheatre.org.

We will continue to update this page as we gather new information and will share pertinent updates through email and social media. Please check back as the details and requirements may change.

Survey Results: Returning to the Theatre

Park Square misses you – its cherished audience – and is eager to gather with you in the theatre again when it is safe. To help us plan for that day, Park Square asked patrons to take a short survey to share their thoughts about returning to live theatre. The survey also asked about virtual performances – during shut down and as a possible “last minute replacement” when life prevents attending an in-person ticketed performance.

Nearly 500 patrons filled out the survey within hours of receiving it and nearly 1,300 total patrons completed the survey. Below are charts breaking down the responses to the questions we asked, and here are a few high level trends we observed:

  • The percentages didn’t change significantly over the two weeks the survey was live; the responses stayed consistent through the survey period.
  • Comments that related to health and safety precautions showed that patrons want to know that if mask wearing is required, the theatre will strictly enforce it.
  • Additionally, there were several questions about Park Square’s HVAC system (which, fortunately, does adhere to the guidelines about fresh air flow recommended by health guidelines).
  • The theatre was overwhelmed by how Park Square patrons filled the comment section with love – you miss being here with the artists you treasure and you want to make sure Park Square stays strong.

While Governor Walz has “turned up the dial” to allow live entertainment venues in Minnesota to open at 25% capacity, filling only 84 seats isn’t economically viable for Park Square. In addition, we are still working with unions and health professionals on the best ways to protect the health and safety of Park Square artists and backstage crews.

Thank you for letting us know how you are feeling at this moment about a return to live indoor theatre. You mean the world to this theatre and while you are terribly missed, we understand that you can only return when you feel it’s right for you.

You are an important part of Park Square’s ongoing process of evaluating when it will be right to return to the stage. Until then – we’ll see you online and outdoors.

Park Square Theatre Audience Survey Results: Returning the Theatre

#1. Once CDC guidelines allow for indoor gatherings of 100-300 people, when do you think you might personally feel comfortable returning to live theatre?

#2. How likely are you to attend live theatre if wearing a mask is required of all patrons and staff (and assuming all other CDC recommended heath and safety protocols are in place at the theatre)? (1 = Not Likely, 5 = Very Likely)

#3. How likely are you to take advantage of online programming for the rest of this year, regardless of live theatre resuming? (1 = Not Likely, 5 = Very Likely)

#4. If you do take advantage of online theatre events this Summer and Fall, what is your preferred day of the week to attend? (You can select more than one)

#5. Once live theatre re-opens, how likely do you think you would be to make use of a virtual performance or recording as a replacement for seeing a show if you had to miss a limited-engagement performance due to weather, illness, change of your personal schedule, etc.?

Survey conducted through surveymonkey.org and distributed through Park Square Theatre’s email and social media channels.
Survey Originated June 11, 2020.
Total Responses as of June 26, 2020: 1277
For more information regarding the survey results, contact Rachel Wandrei, Marketing Director, at wandrei@parksquaretheatre.org.

An update on Park Square’s response to COVID-19 — FOR ALL COMMUNITY MEMBERS

To our Park Square Community,

In the hardest of times, you look to our shared humanity to find new sources of resilience and inspiration. While Park Square is suspending programming to support your health and the safety of the greater community, you are also inspiring innovative ways to continue to fulfill Park Square’s vital mission.

Your health will be protected in line with the latest CDC and Minnesota Department of Health recommendations through the following program changes.

Taking Theatre Online:

  • The Mysterious Old Radio Listening Society — Aug 17, Sep 21, Oct 19, Nov 23. Online! The Golden age of Radio becomes the Golden Age of Live Stream! Enjoy new recordings by the MORLS cast of lost radio episodes along with live introductions and a post-show discussion. Learn More.
  • Riddle Puzzle Plot – Jul 24-Aug 14. Summer Mystery takes to Zoom with a hilarious original 4-episode whodunit by the master of mayhem, Jeffrey Hatcher. Learn More.
  • The Diary of Anne Frank. Online through May 24. While this global crisis prevented more than 16,000 students from attending performances of The Diary of Anne Frank and Romeo and Juliet, Park Square is finding new ways to share this powerful and important story. View the special Zoom production of the play at www.parksquaretheatre.org/diaryonline. “The most stirring staging of ‘Anne Frank’ I have ever seen.”Wall Street Journal

Postponing In Person Events:

  • Marie and Rosetta — Postponed. This powerful hit musical will be a part of the next season.
  • Holmes and Watson — Postponed. This delightful mystery will now be on stage next summer, from July 9- Aug 15,  2021.
  • The Revolutionists — Postponed. PRIME Productions revolutionary comedy will be presented in the fall of 2021.
  • Bad Things, Good Whiskey — Postponed. The fabulous 2 Sugars WILL return with third installment of their beverage-inspired trilogy. It will just be later than we hoped.
  • Please check back regularly for updates. Ticket holders will be contacted as soon as dates are solidified. Thank you for your understanding.

Your kindness and generosity make Park Square possible. By acting today, you can assure that the theatre thrives during these hard times.

You have these options for your cancelled performances:

  • Donate your tickets — Park Square has already invested in the shows that are postponed or cancelled, including paying local artists through April. You can help offset those costs by turning your ticket into a tax-deductible donation.
  • Exchange your tickets to another performance (we’ll all need a night out when this is over!)
  • Receive credit for the value of your tickets for future use — including the 2020-2021 Season.
  • Receive a refund. Refunds will be processed after the global pandemic has subsided.

Your love of live theatre and your generous support will protect Park Square during this unprecedented time.

Your Park Square artists are with you in spirit. We all look forward to the day when you return to the theatre for a feast of joy, fun, music and mystery. Thank you for your continued trust in and passion for Park Square.

All my best,
Michael-jon Pease
Executive Director

Tickets

The box office is currently closed. Please email tickets@parksquaretheatre.org with any questions.

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