Covid 19 Policy 05.05.2022
As the Benson Theatre continues to monitor the local, national, and worldwide incidence of the coronavirus and the illness it causes, COVID‐19, and due to the intimate nature of Benson Theatre’s lobby and theater, visitors have an option to wear masks during all public events, tours, and meetings. This policy is subject to change.
Benson Theatre’s priorities in setting these workplace policies are to:
- Maintain a safe and healthy workplace, including minimizing the transmission of contagious disease
- Sustain programs that are essential to our mission
- Encourage an ethos of mindfulness, open communication, and concern for the wellbeing of our staff, patrons and guests
Health Screening
Benson Theatre asks employees, guests, and patrons to self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms. If an employee, outside visitor, or patron answers YES to any of the following health screening questions, Benson Theatre asks that you take a Covid test prior to your visit to Benson Theatre:
Have you experienced any of the following symptoms of COVID-19 within the last 48 hours?
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Have you tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 10 days? Are you currently awaiting results from a COVID-19 test? Have you been diagnosed with COVID-19 by a licensed healthcare provider (for example, a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other) in the past 10 days? Have you been told that you are suspected to have COVID-19 by a licensed healthcare provider in the past 10 days?
Employees
All employees will be required to have proof of vaccination.
Outside Visitors
During public events, tours, or meetings, all outside visitors have an option to wear masks. Sanitizing stations are in place throughout the lobby and theater. Masks will be available to guests.
Performers, Crew and Volunteers
All performers (actors, artists, musicians), crew members, and volunteers who are engaged with Benson Theatre programming will be required to follow the most current CDC guidelines.
All performers, crew, and volunteers have an option to wear masks. Additional Covid protocols will follow those established for employees.
Artists, performers, facilitators, crew members, 3rd party contractors, and volunteers will report any exposure.
Front of House staff (bartenders, volunteers etc.) will report any exposure or positive Covid-19 test to the House Manager.
The House Manager will report any incidents to the Executive Director for next steps. The Executive Director will approve steps prior to them being sent out to individuals/the organization.
Rehearsals
(Subject to change)
During rehearsals, cast, crew, contractors, and volunteers will follow CDC guidelines.
Partner Organizations
(Subject to change)
In the event someone from a participating community partner has exposure or a positive Covid-19 test, the Event Coordinator for that organization should contact the Programming Director to report the incident with any relevant details. The Community Engagement Director will confer with the Executive Director and advise the community partner on how to proceed based on our established protocols.
Ticket Policy and Audience Members
(Subject to change)
If a guest has purchased a ticket but is diagnosed with COVID-19 and requests a refund, they will be allowed to get a refund if the request is made within 24 hours of the show time. Some exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis.
Face masks for audience members are optional unless the partnering organization is requiring masks.