Policies

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, 3^rd 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.

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and access are terms organizations and businesses have become pretty familiar with. Most have a very surface-level understanding of these terms. A true commitment to having underrepresented populations be an integral part of your company/organization on all levels takes a true understanding of the history and context of their exclusion. The inability to dispel institutionalized discrimination stems from not wanting to make anyone feel uncomfortable and/or not truly knowing what discriminatory actions and behaviors are. This is so incredibly flawed in that those who suffer from discriminatory actions, words, and environments are perpetually uncomfortable and tired of having to explain. Rooting out those feelings and adequately addressing biases are the way forward. The Benson Theatre is committed to providing inclusive spaces, programming, and information, without engaging in tokenism or surface-level, institutionally accepted practices in DEIA.

Benson Theatre does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, gender identity, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, or economic status in any of its programs, activities, and employment. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all of our partner organizations, artists, volunteers, and staff.

For events that require parental consent…

This form is required only for people under age 18. This form must be downloaded, filled out and signed by a parent or legal guardian before a notary public. The minor must provide a signed and notarized form to the Benson Theatre before they enter and the business will keep the form on file.

Thank you.

Benson Theatre’s mission is driven by providing a safe space for everyone who enters. All Benson Theatre patrons are expected to maintain reasonable and appropriate behavior at all times with other patrons, theatre staff, and volunteers. Any behavior disregarding the code of conduct as determined by theatre/event management can result in immediate ejection, as well as temporary or permanent suspension from Benson Theatre and/or disciplinary measures as determined by executive management.

Inappropriate behavior includes, but is not limited to:

• Disturbing other guests’ enjoyment of the event
• Entering a restricted area or seating area without the proper ticket
• Failing to comply with instructions from theatre personnel
• Fighting or challenging others to fight
• Harassing, taunting, or using offensive language against other patrons, theatre staff, or volunteers
• Interference with the event or participants of the event in any way
• Intoxication or disorderly conduct
• Sitting in a seat without the proper ticket
• Standing on chairs, seats, tables, platforms, or railings
• Throwing, tossing, or discharging any object
• Using derogatory terms, extreme profanity, and/or other offensive words and gestures
• Violating Benson Theatre rules, regulations, and policies
• Violating any loca, state, or federal laws

Benson Theatre management reserves the right to deny entry, relocate, or eject guests from the facility including guests engaging in inappropriate behavior, as determined by management. Please help us maintain an inclusive and safe environment for all!