OC Theaters Require COVID-19 Vaccination For Ticket-Holders

ORANGE COUNTY, CA — Orange County's largest performing arts organizations announced an updated health and safety protocol Monday that will require all attendees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before they can get their tickets punched.

The organizations include:

• Segerstrom Center for the Arts
• Irvine Barclay Theatre
• Pacific Chorale
• Pacific Symphony
• Philharmonic Society of Orange County
• Soka Performing Arts Center
• South Coast Repertory

Little ones 12 years and under, as well as anyone without a COVID-19 vaccination, must show proof of a negative PCR test taken within three days of entering any of the listed theaters. Along with proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 result, theater attendees are required to wear face masks while in the building at all times regardless of vaccination status.

The policy is in effect for all indoor performances starting Monday and will be reassessed as public health needs continue to evolve.

“We all have been taken aback by the need to return to more stringent guidelines for the reopening of performing arts venues," said Soka Performing Arts Center General Manager Renee Bodie in a statement. "As we pivot and prepare for our stages to be active again, we must carefully consider the safety of our patrons, students, staff, and artists as our top priority, as well as university and state directives."

According to the press release, the reopening policies and procedures for these Orange County theaters were developed with guidance from public health officials, Centers for Disease Control recommendations and guidelines from the state of California.

"Our hope in providing these enhanced protocols is to ensure the health, safety and well-being of our audiences, artists, staff and crew," said Carla Cruz, the senior director of communications for Segerstorm Center for the Arts. "The Center’s safety protocol has been informed by UCI Health Infectious Disease experts at University of California Irvine and we have partnered with TRC, an industrial hygiene firm, to put protocols and facility improvements to provide a safe environment."