Basking Ridge Cultural Arts Center To Require Vaccination Proof

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — The show will go on at the Fellowship Cultural Arts Center in Basking Ridge, but there are some ground rules for getting in. Those attending performances will be required to show proof of COVID vaccination or — under certain circumstances — a negative test.

American Theater Group, which is in residence at the Cultural Arts Center at Fellowship Village Senior Living in Basking Ridge, joined 29 other New Jersey theaters to adopt the "Opening Night, Opening Right" safety campaign. The involved facilities will require audience members 12 and older to show proof they're fully vaccinated against COVID-19 when entering the venues.

The Basking Ridge venue will begin the requirement Wednesday.

Exceptions will be made for children under 12 and people with a medical or religious exemption or "other valid reason." But those with an exemption must show proof of a negative test taken within 36 hours of the performance time. Children under 12 will not have to present test results.

All guests will be required to wear masks while inside the building.

"The professional theatre community in New Jersey has always been a collaborative one, and we have seen unprecedented engagement and cooperation during the COVID-19 pandemic," said John McEwen, executive director of the New Jersey Theatre Alliance. "The unified statement of the safety pledge and the decision by many theatres to require proof of vaccination for audience members were made with great care, thought, and guidance from medical experts."

According to a WolfBrown Survey conducted in July, 95 percent of New Jersey theatergoers are now partially or fully vaccinated and continue to rise. Similarly, 95 percent of audience members pledge to cooperate with public safety standards overall.

Along with the study, the New Jersey Theatre Alliance has enlisted the guidance of Dr. Stuart Weiss — an expert in pandemic planning for large gatherings. Weiss has worked closely with the alliance since early 2020.

"Throughout the year, theatre managers from member theatres and presenting venue partners have stayed focused on their work and together with my guidance, brought performances back to New Jersey quickly and safely," Weiss said.

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