| EMBARGOED Media Contact: Andy Truscott Associate Director of Marketing THE GRAND TO REQUIRE PROOF OF FULL VACCINATION OR NEGATIVE TEST AND MASKS FOR CONCERTGOERS AND EVENT STAFF Delaware’s premier performing arts center to require proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 PCR test prior to entry WILMINGTON, DE – September 1, 2021 – The Grand Opera House, operator of three theaters on Wilmington’s Market Street arts corridor, announced today that it will, for the time being, require proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test within 72 hours of the event for entry into its theaters. In addition, patrons, volunteers, and staff will be required to wear a mask indoors regardless of vaccination status, unless they are actively eating or drinking. The decision was made after watching the dramatic surge of COVID-19 cases as the Delta variant spreads through the United States and in consultation with other medical and industry professionals. The vaccination policy will go into effect immediately and will cover all public events within The Grand’s footprint (including performances by outside promoters). The first performance hosted at The Grand is comedian Brian Regan on September 26, 2021. By making this announcement now, The Grand is looking to provide as much time as possible for patrons to schedule an appointment for a vaccination or testing. “We owe our audiences, artists, volunteers, and staff a level of certainty and security,” says Executive Director Mark Fields. “The implementation of these measures will better provide an atmosphere where we can focus ourselves on enjoying live entertainment again, and do so comfortably.” “Given the profound setbacks to artists and arts organizations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the performing arts industry remains one of the hardest hit, and is already showing signs of consumer hesitancy to attend indoor performances without added precautions,” says Fields. “We realize this is a decision that may not be welcomed by all, but it is a decision that puts the health and safety of our patrons and artists in the forefront of our decision making in these uncertain times.” “We all hope that these increased precautions will be temporary,” says Fields, “While we recognize that masking may be uncomfortable for some, the arts community cannot recover and thrive if artists and patrons feel unsafe.” This policy will be re-evaluated monthly based on local infection rates and in consultation with public health officials. The Grand is also enacting this policy with its staff, volunteers, and local crew members. FAQs are listed below and more information can be found at TheGrandWilmington.org/safety. Why is The Grand doing this? The safety, security, and comfort of our patrons, artists, volunteers, and staff are the driving force of implementing these new policies. With audiences and artists traveling nationwide, it becomes necessary to enact policies like this to help ensure your long term health while preventing another indoor closure of performances at The Grand’s three theaters. What do I need to provide to enter one of The Grand’s venues? We will be require all attendees (and event staff) to provide physical or digital proof of vaccination with the last dose administered at least 14 days before the event or a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of the event, except where restricted by law. Will I need to wear a mask inside? Yes, patrons, volunteers, and staff will be required to wear a mask indoors regardless of vaccination status, unless they are actively eating or drinking. Patrons will be provided one reminder before being removed from the venue if not acting in accordance with this rule.
How do I show proof when I arrive? Acceptable documentation will be a physical copy of the patron’s COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card, a digital copy of such card, or a physical or digital copy of the negative test result. You must also provide a state-issued photo ID with matching name. What if I forget my proof of vaccination or testing? You will not be allowed into the building. What if I have a medical condition or religious belief that exempts me from getting vaccinated? You will still be required to provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test result, taken within 72 hours of the event for entry. What about attendees under the age of 12? Until the vaccine is approved for use on children under age 12, a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of the event will be required. Who else is subject to these policies? The Grand’s staff, volunteers, and local crew members will be held to the same health standards as our patrons. The staff has been provided ample notice to ensure they are vaccinated before the public has re-entered the building. Crew members will be frequently tested to ensure the mitigation of community spread. How long will it take to get inside? We hope these necessary health checks will only add a few moments on to your trip to The Grand or The Playhouse on Rodney Square, but we encourage all patrons to allow extra time for this process when traveling to our theaters. We thank our patrons in advance for their patience as we begin to roll out these practices. # # #
ABOUT THE GRAND
Celebrating 150 years in December 2021, The Grand has been one of the region’s premier performing arts presenters, offering music, dance, comedy, and family-focused programming, along with the best of touring Broadway. The organization is a 501(c)3 non-profit arts organization and operates three venues on Wilmington’s Market Street arts corridor (Copeland Hall, the baby grand, and The Playhouse on Rodney Square). The opulent and historic Grand Opera House has been a landmark for the residents of Wilmington and the surrounding region for 150 years. Opened in 1871 as a home for the Grand Lodge of the Masons, The Grand played host to thousands of renowned entertainers and performing artists over the years, including Ethel Barrymore, Buffalo Bill Cody, John Philip Sousa, political cartoonist Thomas Nast, and the Jubilee Singers of Fisk University. Reopened in 1973 after falling into disrepair in 1960s, the current organization has had artists such as Sarah McLachlan, Willie Nelson, The White Stripes, Trey Anastasio, Wanda Sykes, Sinbad, Lewis Black, Ron White, Lisa Lampanelli, Pete Davidson, and more grace their stages. |