Capitol Center For The Arts Moving To Optional Masks Next Week

CONCORD, NH — The mask and face-covering requirement at two of the city’s premier arts facilities is being partially changed next week.

The Capitol Center for the Arts is downgrading its policy at events at both the Chubb Theatre and the Bank of New Hampshire Stage from “required” to “optional” for all shows on Wednesday unless otherwise requested by the booking agent or performing artist. The decision was made due to new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines as well as declining hospitalization and infection rates in New Hampshire, according to Sal Prizio, the nonprofit’s executive director.

“The Capitol Center for the Arts will continue to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic statistics and make public safety decisions based on CDC recommendations,” he said on Wednesday. “We always strive to do what is in the best interest for our patrons. While masks will be optional, individuals who prefer to mask will, of course, be welcome to do so and masks will still be available at ticketing stations for any patron who needs one.”

Prizio said they were mindful that the pandemic has been unpredictable and should coronavirus data require a return to mask mandates, “We will continue to do so.”

Ticketing policies at both venues require purchasers to adhere to safety protocols in place on the day of the performance not on the day of the ticket purchase — meaning vaccine mandate or face covering requests by agents and artists, whether there was a danger of infection or not, remain in place. Patrons, the nonprofit said, “should continue to watch for communications on any protocol changes for upcoming performances.”

Upcoming events include the Jordan Tirrell-Wysocki Trio on March 18, Cars and Tom Petty tribute bands on March 25, a Linda Ronstadt Revue on March 26, and a conversation with Concord authors on April 6 at the Bank of NH Stage as well as Juston McKinney on March 26, Celtic Woman on March 31, and Colin Hay on April 8 and at the Chubb Theatre.

For more information, visit the theatres’ website here.

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