Two more entertainment venues – The Cabaret and the Indiana Repertory Theatre – have joined a growing list of venues tightening their anti-COVID-19 requirements to attend live productions.
The Cabaret’s requirement of proof of completed vaccination goes into effect Sept. 24. It will remain until further notice.
On Oct. 6, The IRT will require patrons ages 12 and up to provide proof of a full COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 PCR test.
Both organizations continue to require patrons to wear masks while in their buildings.
Among other organizations with the temporary vaccination mandate are the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, HI-FI and Live Nation. The Independent Venue Alliance is supporting much of the effort.
Cabaret artistic director and CEO Shannon Forsell said, “After experiencing 516 days of being unable to present indoor performances, we continue to carefully balance the safety of our audiences, staff, and artists with the concerns of privacy and individual freedom. The national and international artists slated to perform at The Cabaret are coming from areas where these mandates are already in place and are making it clear that they expect this level of safety precaution to perform here.
Said IRT Managing Director Suzanne Sweeney, “When we planned our 2021-2022 Season, we had hoped to have fewer health and safety restrictions, but the recent surge in the number of COVID-19 cases has made us reconsider. In conjunction with our Board of Directors, we determined that requiring a vaccine for most patrons is the best choice for us to produce safely this season. We will continue to evaluate this policy as the season progresses.”
CABARET GUIDELINES: To make it as streamlined as possible, as well as to offer options for those concerned with privacy, guests may present vaccine verification the following ways: (1) via the Bindle app and shown via smartphone, (2) a digital photo of a vaccine card shown via smartphone – along with a photo ID, or (3) the physical vaccine card – along with a photo ID.
Earlier this month, the Arts Council of Indianapolis and the Indiana Independent Venue Alliance announced they were partnering with Bindle to provide a means for venues to verify patrons’ vaccination or COVID-19 test status. Individuals can download the app and input their information, which then creates an entry pass they will show when they arrive at the performance.
IRT GUIDELINES: Patrons may show proof of full vaccination through the free Bindle app via smartphone, the physical vaccine card with a photo ID, or a digital photo of the vaccine card with a photo ID. The IRT will also accept proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test administered no more than 72 hours prior to the performance. Children ages 4 and older are allowed in the Theatre, and they must also have proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test, as well as wear masks.
In an effort to welcome families and share the joy of live theater for this holiday family tradition, the only exception to this testing policy will be during the run of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Children 4-11 years of age are not required to obtain testing when accompanied by an adult who is fully vaccinated. Also, two performances of A Christmas Carol will be offered for fully vaccinated patrons only, regardless of age, at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12, and 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 21.
PHOTO ABOVE: The Indiana Repertory Theatre vaccination requirement goes into effect on Oct. 6.
