Reporter's notebook: how to safely attend performances this virus season

I go to a lot of shows. As a reporter, it’s a big part of my job. But as a supporter and proud patron of the arts, it’s a choice that I will continue to make.

I understand there is still legitimate fear of Covid that is now combined with worry about influenza and RSV. With all of this in mind, many people are asking, "Is it safe to enjoy the arts at this time?"

Unfortunately, I can’t answer that question for anyone else. But for me and folks like me who will continue to go to live shows and events, there are ways to enjoy the arts with relative safety.

First and foremost, I’m vaccinated against Covid. While that vaccine will not stop me from catching Covid, I do trust it to curb the severity of any Covid symptoms. And as someone who has had Covid, I will say that “less severe” is also relative. I was not hospitalized, but my symptoms did feel severe to me.

But as a reporter, when I ponder these questions and evaluate these current circumstances, my natural inclination is to do what I do best: ask questions.

So, I reached out to some folks in the theater community and public health experts, and I learned some information about how those of us who wish to continue attending live events can do so in ways that are safest for ourselves, fellow patrons of the arts, performers, and staff at the venues we support.

The 5th Avenue Theatre recently cancelled multiple performances of "The Wiz" due to a Covid outbreak. When this happened, many people asked me what this would mean for the industry as a whole, and how common an occurrence like this has been. The first call I made was to the 5th Avenue Theatre, and I spoke to artistic director Bernie Griffin.

“We have a great system in place, as does the whole sector, to identify early diagnosis of Covid and take the necessary action,” Griffin said. “And the necessary action was, instead of just saying, ‘Maybe we can do a show tomorrow’, just say, ‘You know what, we need to make sure everybody is on the mend, and hope that we'll be able to continue next week’. And that's where we made our priority.”

Griffin, like many of her peers in the theater community, has increased health precautions for actors in an effort to mitigate any potential show cancellations. The cancellation of "The Wiz" caused ripples in the theater world because even as Covid persists, other shows have gone on throughout the city.

This season in Seattle, many big productions have been able to operate without interruptions due to Covid. At McCaw Hall where the Pacific Northwest Ballet is showing "The Nutcracker," they have similar protocols to the 5th Avenue Theatre.

In a statement via email, Pacific Northwest Ballet communications director Gary Tucker said "The Nutcracker" has so far been able to operate without interruptions, despite seeing a few Covid cases. But with rigorous testing of performers and staff, masking protocols during rehearsals in place all season, and multiple casts on stand-by, the production has proceeded smoothly.

I also spoke with Jeffrey Herrmann, managing director at the Seattle Rep theater. "Mr. Dickens and His Carol" is another popular show this season, and like the Pacific Northwest Ballet, the Rep’s show has happened so far without any show stoppages. In fact, Herrmann says the Seattle Rep has only had to cancel one show this year due to Covid and that was back in July. Like many theaters right now, the Rep is using more understudies to ensure actors can stay home when sick, without interrupting performances.

But performers aren't the only people who need to be protected to ensure shows continue to run. Audiences are also an important part of the equation, as ticket sales are the fuel that keeps everything going. There is also a question of how we can support these shows, while protecting ourselves and our families.

Herrmann explained, “We felt it was the right time to go back to a mask optional environment, however, for the show that we're currently running, and for the next couple of shows, we are also scheduling several mask-required performances during the run of those shows. And I think that's important so that everybody's got an option that makes them feel comfortable.”

In addition to the mask-required shows, Herrmann also points out that social distancing is also encouraged in theaters. Front of house and concessions staff are masked at all times. The Rep is also thinking of ways to improve safety during intermissions and in lobby areas before shows.

But as someone who has been in many theaters, including the Rep for "Mr. Dickens and His Carol," I’d say that even during mask-optional shows, a lot of patrons are still masking. And social distancing in theaters is about as consistent as it is in grocery stores, which is to say – people are doing the best they can, but in communal spaces, there will certainly be times when we come within 6 feet of each other.

That brings me to the guidance of the true experts — the folks who create the guidelines that our local theaters and galleries follow: Public Health — Seattle & King County. I reached out to the agency to ask how we can go to shows while being as safe as possible.

In a statement, Public Health — Seattle & King County said, “We’re not seeing a rapid spike of Covid at this time, but we have seen a gradual rise in hospitalizations. It’s too soon to predict the Covid trajectory, whether it will level off or continue to rise. The virus remains unpredictable, but we’re gratified that we’re not seeing a sharp spike at this point.”

So, while Covid is still here, we have not seen a “spike” in our county. But what can we do to be as safe as possible? Health officials say to stay home if you are feeling sick; indoor masking is now strongly encouraged, and it’s helpful to check the ventilation of venues that you plan on visiting.

For those of you who wish to continue to attend live shows like I do, it sounds like we can do so with relative safety. And if you are uncomfortable, many theaters offer flexible options like mask-required shows. Box offices throughout the city are also offering ticket-holders the flexibility to swap show attendance dates, and some will allow you to transfer tickets to friends and family.