Cape May Theater To Require Proof Of COVID Vaccination

CAPE MAY, NJ — The East Lynne Theatre Company in Cape May is among 30 theaters across the state that will require proof of COVID vaccination for indoor performances.

The New Jersey Theatre Alliance announced the "Opening Night, Opening Right"safety campaign on Thursday that requires proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test, and indoor masking at participating venues across the state.

Audience members 12 and older will be required to show proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before entering these venues. Exceptions will be made for children under 12 and people with a medical or religious exemption to vaccination.

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.

"We take seriously the health and wellbeing of our staff, artists, volunteers and audience," the theater wrote on its website. "Everyone who works and volunteers for ELTC have been vaccinated, and the ventilation system has been checked. Closer to performance dates, we will be sending out reminders about safety requirements via e-mail blasts and social media."

The launch of the campaign comes as theaters have begun to open back up after being closed to in-person performances for more than a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Member theaters have pledged to follow current medical advice, and to meet or exceed all local and national safety guidelines, according to a news release. That includes:

• Deep cleaning and disinfecting before all performances
• Clearly communicated mask policy
• No-contact transaction options offered
• Health screening before entry
• Flexible ticket policies for anyone feeling sick or at risk
• Sanitation stations

"The professional theater 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 Theatre Alliance. "The unified statement of the safety Pledge and the decision by many theaters to require proof of vaccination for audience members were made with great care, thought, and guidance from medical experts. I am pleased to see the member theaters of New Jersey Theatre Alliance working together to make their return to live performance a safe and joyful experience for all.”

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