MIDDLETOWN LYRIC THEATRE

COVID-19 Reopening Plan

 The Middletown Lyric Theatre (MLT) a 42-year Middletown institution currently located at 1530 Central Avenue, Middletown, Ohio

 MLT Proposes to work with the Middletown Health Department to adopt an operating plan to allow MLT to resume safe, responsible operation. We are looking to build our 43^rd season in the months to come that include one to four actor plays to help stay within safety standards.  

 Ticketing:

·         MLT utilizes an on-line ticket agency where patrons can purchase tickets. MLT also maintains a public website and social media outlets where patrons can view upcoming events and purchase tickets on-line.

·         We will only allow on-line advanced ticket sales for all events. No “walk-ins” will be accepted/admitted.

·         Patrons will only be able to purchase general admission seats, so that we can assign seats to maintain social distancing.

·         Our website, ticketing site, and social media outlets will display the following COVID-19 related information:

Ø  All patrons are required to wear a face-covering in all areas of the theatre, except when actively eating or drinking.

Ø  All patrons should maintain social distancing of 6 feet.

Ø  If a patron feels sick or has a temperature they are advised to stay at home and not attend the event.

Seating capacity:

·         MLT has a 100 flexible seating capacity, 15% of which is 15, all of which can be seated at a 6-foot social distance.

·         The distance from the first row and the usable portion of the stage will not be less than 6 feet.

·         All seats are accessible by using multiple aisle ways allowing patrons the ability to not pass in front of one another.

·         A seating layout is attached.

 Health Assessments:

Patrons: On all of our social media, website and ticketing site will display the following COVID-19 Information:

·         All patrons are required to wear face coverings in all areas of the theatre, accept when actively eating or drinking.

·         All Patrons should maintain social distancing of 6 feet.

·          If a patron feels sick or has a temperature they will be advised to stay home and not attend the event.

Staff:

·         Will be required to wear face coverings at all times.

·         Staff will ensure and practice social distancing of 6 feet and be responsible for on-site temperature checks for staff, patrons, and performers.

Performers: 

·         When in rehearsals will be required to wear face coverings and practice social distancing at all times and or when possible. 

·         If a performer feels sick or has a temperature they will be advised to stay home and not attend rehearsal.

·         All performers will be given a health assessment and temperature check prior to every rehearsal.

Lobby/Concessions:

·         MLT’s layout tends to encourage one-way traffic. When a patron arrives, they will naturally work their way from the street to their seats. Upon the conclusion of an event, all will be leaving for the exits, again as one-way traffic.

·         A hand sanitation station will be available in the lobby and at the end of the main aisles

·         MLT does not currently plan to have multiple performances where patrons leaving are likely to congregate with those arriving. If multiple performances are planned in the future, there will be enough time between performances to allow for patrons to leave without meeting with arriving patrons. Ampule time will be allotted for the cleaning of patron areas.

·         The concession area will be marked appropriately for social distancing with only one person being helped at a time. Concessions will be a selection of single serve beverages as well as pre-packed snacks.

Signage and Markings:

·         Highly visible signage regarding masks, hygiene, and social distancing will be posted near all entrances/exits.

·         Markings on the floor will measure 6-feet to remind patrons of social distancing.

·         Handwashing/hygiene signs will be posted in all restrooms.

Cleaning:

·         All high touch hard surfaces including handrails, doorknobs, and railings will be wiped down with disinfectant prior to the theatre opening.

·         Restrooms will be cleaned and disinfected before each performance.

·         Dressing rooms will be cleaned and disinfected before each performance.

·         Stage furniture and props will be disinfected before each performance.

Production/Performers/Stage:

·         Performers normally arrive one hour prior to the advertised curtain time for a given performance.

·         Performers will not have access to patron areas apart from restrooms.

·         Restroom and hand sanitizer are accessible from the backstage areas

·         Performers and crew members will ware face coverings in all backstage areas, including dressing rooms.

Handling Sick/Symptomatic People:

·         Any person with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 will be instructed to return home or we will isolate them, we will:

Ø  Offer to help them find medical care

Ø  Notify the Middletown Health Department

Ø  Cooperate with contact tracking efforts

Contact Person:

·         I will be the initial compliance person and if our compliance person changes for any reason, we will notify the Middletown Health Department. Contact information:

Charley Shafor

Theatre: 513-425-7140

Cell: 513-649-9301

Email: cshafor@middletwonlyric.org