A Common Thread Theatre Company’s safety protocol builds upon the requirements recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and expands beyond them to provide a comprehensive and careful standard of care for infection protection and control.

 

In order to maximize the safety of our actors, crew, patrons and staff, A Common Thread Theatre Company has created important safety protocols and procedures that best protect the health of our community, and ensure that our Theater is opened safely. We are adhering strictly to the requirements outlined by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to ensure that we provide a comprehensive and complete standard of care for infection prevention and control.

 

Prior to first in-person rehearsal and shows:

• If an actor/crew member has been fully vaccinated please share your CDC card with the show producer. You will still need to comply with our masking and social distancing guidelines, however, we will continue to follow updated CDC guidance regarding vaccinated persons and may modify these protocols as new information becomes available to us.

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Rehearsal and shows:

• At check-in for rehearsal at the theater, the actors and members of the crew must confirm they have no COVID-19 symptoms or known exposures via the sign in form.

• Mask wearing (masks will be worn through rehearsals until specified by the director and stage manager. There will be an agreed upon date prior to tech week where masks can come down only when actors are on stage). Actors need to bring their own mask(s). Masks will not be supplied by A Common Thread Theatre Company. 

• We expect all cast and crew to follow state and CDC guidance of masking and social distancing when outside of the theater. 

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Mask suggestions https://www.travelandleisure.com/style/shopping/best-face-masks-with-multiple-layers-filter-pockets

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• Actors and crew will remain physically distant whenever possible. This includes not huddling together in the greenroom but using the entire theater space during rehearsals so that each actor has ample personal space.

• If an actor is observed without their face mask in place or if an individual is acting in ways to jeopardize the safety of others, directors may give a warning. A Common Thread is taking these protocols very seriously and asks that each person involved in the production adhere strictly to them. 

• Actors and crew may remove their masks to drink water.  

 

What to do in the event of contact with a COVID-19 positive person:

• Inform your stage manager of the exposure and the date of the exposure.

• The actor/crew member must quarantine until they receive a negative PCR COVID-19 test, in adherence to the current CDC guidelines, and have no COVID-19 symptoms upon return.

• Stage manager and producer will conduct contract tracing with the exposed member of the production. Will notify others if they are considered a direct contact and will follow the process as outlined by the CDC.

• To continue rehearsals, the quarantined actor can be zoomed in where appropriate/necessary.

 

What to do in the event of a Positive COVID-19 Test:

• Immediately inform your stage manager and the members of the A Common Thread Theatre Company board of the positive test result; Stage manager and producer will conduct contract tracing with the exposed member of the production. Will notify others if they are considered a direct contact and will follow the process as outlined by the CDC.

• Mandatory 10-day quarantine beginning on the date of the first symptom; and

• In order to return to the theater, the person who tested positive must receive a negative PCR COVID-19 test and be symptom free.

• To continue rehearsals the quarantined actor can be zoomed in where appropriate/necessary.

 

For Patrons:

 

Admissions, Ticketing and Exits:

• A Common Thread Theatre Company is strongly encouraging electronic tickets by advanced purchase.  Patrons who would like to purchase their tickets as a walk-in are encouraged to use a contactless payment. 

• No Mask. No Show. - Based on current guidance, all Participants and Patrons must wear an acceptably protective mask. Consistent with CDC recommendations, multi-layer cloth or surgical-type masks that fit snugly to the face are the accepted standard. A patron appearing without a mask will be provided a temporary surgical mask (for $3.00) while in the A Common Thread Theatre Company facility. We will continue to follow updated CDC guidance regarding vaccinated persons and may modify these protocols as new information becomes available to us.

• Nobody will be let into the theater until 30 minutes before the start of the show. Please begin lining up outside of the theater door (see signage) and keep yourself distant from other patrons. Our volunteers will be made available to answer any questions and will check you in as you wait in line.

• Prior to entering the theater patrons will be asked several public health questions by our volunteers. 

• Each performance will have volunteers available to ensure compliance with all seating requirements, and to answer any questions.

• Where possible, shows will be performed without intermissions to minimize restroom lines.

• A Common Thread Theatre Company will follow the inside theater performance seating protocol dictated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and at this time, seating will be limited to 50% of capacity.  This may be subject to change.

• Seating will not be permitted within 8 feet of the general performance area. At no time may an actor be within 6 feet of an audience member.

• After the performance, patrons will be directed to exit by row starting with those rows nearest the exit, maintaining a 6-foot barrier between groups. Patrons are encouraged to leave the theater directly after the performance and meet the cast members outside

• Patrons are asked to limit occupancy of restrooms to ensure social distancing.

 

Helpful links below for more information on:

• COVID-19 symptoms

• When to get tested

• What your test results mean

• Protecting yourself and others from getting sick

• When to quarantine or isolate and for how long

• What to do if you were around someone with COVID-19

• Taking care of yourself when you are sick

• Taking care of someone else who is sick

• Massachusetts Department of Public Health