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Theatre Department COVID-19 Response Guidelines 

Prepared by Aaron Dyszelski, chair, and Maria Sorce, technical director. 

Sept. 8, 2020 

Table of Contents

  1. Facility Reopening Introduction
    a. Planning 
    b. Washington State Reopening Phases
  2. General Guidelines
    a. Symptom Checklist
    b. Physical Distancing
    c. Hygiene
    d. PPE
  3. Facility Guidelines for Educational Use
    a. Auditorium
    b. Stage II
    c. Scene Shop
    d. Costume Shop
    e. Tacoma Hall
    f. Conference Room
    g. Practice Room
    h. Offices
    i. Campus
  4. Facility Guidelines for Productions
    a. Overview
    b. Patron Education
    c. Auditorium
    d. Stage II
  5. References & Further Information 

1. Facilities Reopening Introduction 

a. Planning 

This guide assumes that we all want to reopen and use our theatre, classroom and office facilities as fully and quickly as possible without unreasonably risking health or safety. 

The law may help you think through that second issue. Everyone has a legal duty to behave as a reasonable person under the same or similar circumstances. Here, the key circumstance is how to reopen (a) during a highly contagious global pandemic in which (b) even asymptomatic people can carry the disease, and (c) most places currently lack widespread testing, contact tracing or a vaccine. 

b. Spokane Regional Health District Reopening Phases 

The Whitworth Theatre Department is only considering use of the Cowles Auditorium and Tacoma Hall facilities for teaching if the Washington Safe Start Program has moved Spokane County into Phase 2, and will only consider productions, or other "events," if the Washington Safe Start Program has moved Spokane County into Phase 3 or 4 (see the safe start plan). 

An "event" is defined here as a gathering for business, social or recreational activities including, but not limited to, community, civic, public, leisure or sporting events; parades; concerts; festivals; conventions; fundraisers; and similar activities. 

These guidelines are subject to change. 

Phase 3: 

Events limited to 50 people including actors, faculty and technicians. 

  • High-risk populations are encouraged not to attend events and to continue to stay home. 
  • High-risk individuals include: those over 65, those with moderate to severe asthma, those with chronic lung, heart and/or liver disease, those with diabetes, those with immunocompromised conditions, and those with chronic kidney issues that are doing dialysis treatments. 
  • All other guidelines below apply to events in this phase. 

Phase 4:

Events with more than 50 people are allowed. 

  • High-risk populations may attend but should abide by physical distancing. 
  • All other guidelines below may apply to events in this phase. 

2. General Guidelines 

a. Symptom Questionnaire 

All students, faculty and staff must utilize the LiveSafe health tracking system daily per the university guidelines, or they will not be allowed into the facility. 

  • Course instructors should verify LiveSafe app check-in and hand sanitizing as part of their regular attendance recording process. 

Patrons must complete a symptom questionnaire prior to entering the Cowles Auditorium or Tacoma Hall facilities. 

  • To gain entry they must verbally or in writing provide their legal name, current contact information and reply to a symptom questionnaire. Everyone will also be subject to a non-touch temperature check.
  • For other "event" procedures, see Section 4: Productions. 

b. Physical Distancing 

All students, faculty, staff and guests are required to maintain a distance of 6 feet (2 meters) on entry, use and exit of all facilities. 

Acting or Physical Theatre: 

  • Participants must maintain a 12' distance while performing
  • For each 30 minutes of continuous performance, the space must be cleared for 30 minutes following to allow for air turnover 

These guidelines are based on the American Guild of Musical Artists and the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society Return to Stage and Performing Arts Playbook, in consultation with the Whitworth Music Department, and approved by the Whitworth ICT. 

Dance: 

  • Ten participants plus an instructor are allowed with a minimum of 800 sq feet with one additional participant for each 200 sq over the 800 sq foot minimum. 
  • There is a maximum of 20 participants per instructor even with footage guidelines. 
  • These guidelines are per the Washington governor mandate on Phase 2 and 3 indoor activites. 
  • Fitness and training reopening requirements are approved by the Whitworth ICT. 

The theatre department will provide updated room capacities and visual guidelines to assist in maintaining physical distance. Visual guidelines may include wall and floor signage, tape markings, and physical barriers. 

When possible, separate entry and exit points will be designated for each space to assist in movement flow and to avoid congestion. 

c. Hygiene 

All students, faculty, staff and guests are required to clean their hands regularly (before entering a shared space) using provided hand sanitizer or washing thoroughly with soap and water for 20 seconds. Signage will show locations and proper sanitizing procedure. 

Event staff and course instructors are responsible for sanitizing all of the following items that may be used during an "event" or class within a given space. More specific guidelines are provided below for each space. 

  • Desks, counter tops, tables and chairs
  • Lecterns
  • Phones, electronic equipment and remotes 
  • Thermostats
  • Cabinetry, pulls and hardware
  • Doors and doorknobs
  • Handrails 
  • Lights and lighting controls 

Supplies and specific sanitizing instructions will be provided for each space. Only certain items utilized by students during class should be sanitized by that individual student after use. (See specific space sanitation and equipment use guidelines under Section 3.) If cleaning supplies need to be restocked, contact auditorium technical director, Maria Sorce. 

d. Personal Protection Equipment PPE 

All students, faculty, staff and guests are required to wear approved face masks at all times. Masks must cover both the nose and mouth of the wearer. To provide adequate protection, use the following best practices for face covering: 

  • Wash your hands before putting on a face covering. 
  • Put the same side against your face each time to avoid wearing the "contaminated side" against your nose and mouth.
  • Remove your face covering using the straps to avoid touching the part that protects your face. 
  • Cloth face coverings should be washed after each use. Wear other masks only according to the manufacturer's specifications. 

3. Facilities Guidelines for Educational Use 

a. Cowles Auditorium 

Capacity: 

The auditorium including the audience and stage space can accommodate up to 138 occupants as a classroom or rehearsal space including the students and instructor. Total occupant numbers will follow the university's WhitworthFLEX guidelines. 

  • Visual spacing guides are marked with signage on the floor. 
  • All occupants must wear a mask at all times. 

If activity includes acting, physical theatre or dance, refer to Section 2: Physical Distancing, for specific requirements. 

Flow: 

  • Occupants shall enter and exit through the marked NE doorway in the lobby maintaining social distancing guidelines and avoiding close congregation.
  • All students from one class must exit completely before the next class enters the building. 
  • Restrooms may be used by only one person at a time avoiding congregation in the access hallway. 

Equipment: 

  • Light switches/controls are to be used by the event crew members only. 
  • Soundboard, lightboard and theatrical lighting instruments are to be used only with advanced permission from the auditorium technical director.
  • Any dance rollers, back-jack chairs, props and rehearsal used in class should be limited to an individual student and sanitized after use by the individual.
  • Each person is to use an individual seat for the duration of the class including audience and backjack chairs. 

b. Stage II 

Space Reservations: 

  • The space may only be reserved rehearsal by a course instructor or faculty club advisor. 
  • The class instructor or faculty club advisor must be physically present for the duration of all rehearsals. 
  • Outside of scheduled class times, this space must be reserved via a Room Scheduling/Infosilem. 
  • Requests must be made Monday-Friday between 8 a.m.-2 p.m. a minimum of 24 business day hours before the use of the space class instructor or faculty club advisor is responsible for cleaning and following all safety and health guidelines.
    • Do not use the space until approval is received.  

Capacity: 

Stage II can accommodate up to 28 occupants as a classroom or rehearsal space including the students and instructor. 

  • If activity includes Acting, Physical Theatre, or Dance refer to Section 2 Physical Distancing above for specific requirements. 
  • All occupants must wear a face covering at all times.
  • Visual spacing guides are marked with signage on the floor. 

Flow: 

  • Occupants shall enter through the southwest first floor doorway and continue down the stairwell into the space maintaining physical distancing guidelines and avoiding close congregation. 
  • Occupants shall exit through the southeast lower level doorway maintaining physical distancing guidelines and avoiding close congregation.
  • All students from one class must exit completely before the next class enters the building. 
  • Restrooms may be used by only one person at a time avoiding congregation in the access hallway. 

Equipment & Seating: 

Light switches, props cabinet, soundboard, computer, remotes and monitor carts are to be used by the instructor or room requestor only. 

  • Soundboard will be set up to only allow access to the needed sound channels to limit contact and should only be used by one designated person during a class session. 
  • Lightboard and theatrical lighting instruments to be used only with advanced permission from the Auditorium Technical Director. 
  • Whiteboard may be used one at a time by the instructor and students, but each must use individual markers and erasers. 
  • Any dance rollers, back-jack chairs, props, and rehearsal used in class should be limited to an individual student and sanitized after use by the individual. 
  • Each person is to use an individual seat for the duration of the class including audience and backjack chairs. 
  • Students should provide their own yoga mat as needed for specific courses. 

Sanitizing: 

  • Stairwell handrails, light switches, and other high touch surfaces must be wiped down after each class by the instructor with provided disinfectant wipes.
  • If used during the class, the computer, remotes, monitor cart, whiteboard, and props cabinet must be wiped down after each class by the instructor with provided disinfectant wipes. 
  • Props and rehearsal furniture must be sanitized by the user after each class using wipes or spray based on the item materials.
  • Seating with soft surfaces including audience and backjack chairs should be sprayed by the individual user after use with provided disinfectant spray.

c. Scene Shop 

Only events crew or McDonald scholar technicians may access the scene shop. All occupants must wear a face covering at all times. For specific sanitation guidelines see the auditorium technical director. 

d. Costume Shop 

Capacity: 

  • Only events crew or McDonald scholar technicians may access the costume shop. 
  • All other students must make an appointment with the auditorium technical director.
  • All occupants must wear a face covering at all times. 

Flow: 

  • Occupants shall enter and exit through the SL doorway, continue into the SL storage space, and up the stairwell into the space maintaining physical distancing guidelines and avoiding close congregation.
  • All students from one class must exit completely before the next class enters the building. 

Equipment & Seating: 

  • Light switches are motion-sensored and do not need to be touched. 
  • A single sewing machine with replacement machine needles will be assigned to each student for the duration of the work or class. 
  • Shop Workers will be issued their own hand sewing supplies such as thread threaders, needles, scissors, cutters, rulers and thimbles. 
  • Students are responsible for their own hand sewing supplies such as thread threaders, needles, scissors, cutters, thimbles and fabric. 
  • Cutting mats may be used by only one individual at a time and then sanitize. 
  • Sergers, steam iron, hand steamer, and other sewing machinery to be used only with advanced permission from the auditorium technical director. 

Sanitizing: 

  • Tables, handrails, bin handles and other high-touch surfaces must be wiped down after each work session by the employee and after each class by the instructor with provided disinfectant wipes.
  • Sewing machines must be sanitized by the user after each class using disinfectant wipes. 
  • Seating with soft surfaces should be sprayed by the individual user after use with provided disinfectant spray. 

e. Tacoma Hall 

Space Reservations: 

  • Outside of scheduled class times, this space must be reserved via a Room Scheduling/ Infosilem. 
  • Requests must be made Monday-Friday between 8 a.m.-2 p.m. a minimum of 24 business day hours before the use of the space. 
  • Do not use the space until approval is received. 

Capacity: 

  • Tacoma Hall can accommodate up to 27 occupants overall as a classroom including the students and instructor with up to 12 occupants. 
  • If activity includes Acting, Physical Theatre or Dance refer to Section 2: Physical Distancing above for specific requirements. 
  • All occupants must wear a face covering at all times. 
  • Visual spacing guides are marked with signage on the floor. 

Flow: 

  • Occupants shall enter and exit through the north doorway into foyer and the space maintaining physical distancing guidelines and avoiding close congregation in the entry hallway.
  • All students from one class must exit completely before the next class enters the building. 
  • Restrooms may be used by only one person at a time avoiding congregation in the access hallway. 
  • Restrooms are not to be used as dressing rooms. Students should come dressed in appropriate attire. 
  • Outerwear and personal belonging should be kept to a minimum and be placed so as not to touch one another. 

Equipment & Seating: 

  • Light switches, computer, soundsystem, and remotes, are to be used by the instructor only. 
  • Whiteboard may be used one at a time by the instructor and students, but each must use individual markers and erasers. 
  • Any dance rollers, back-jack chairs, props and rehearsal furniture used in class should be limited to an individual student and sanitized after use by the individual.
  • Tumbling mats will not be used under the current guidelines.
  • Each person is to use an individual seat for the duration of the class including audience and backjack chairs.
  • Students should provide their own yoga mat as needed for specific courses 

Sanitizing: 

  • Light switches, ballet barres, and other high touch surfaces must be wiped down after each class by the instructor with provided disinfectant wipes.
  • If any floor work takes place, the floor must be sprayed and mopped with the provided Virex supplies.
  • If used during the class, the computer, soundsystem, remotes, and whiteboard must be wiped down after each class by the instructor with provided disinfectant wipes.
  • Props must be sanitized by the user after each class using wipes or spray based on the item materials.
  • Seating with soft surfaces including audience and backjack chairs should be sprayed by the individual user after use with provided disinfectant spray. 

f. Conference Room will not be used under current guidelines. 

g. Practice Room will not be used under current guidelines. 

h. Offices 

There will be no in-person meetings with faculty or staff in their offices under the current COVID-19 guidelines. 

i. Other Campus classrooms 

Instructors and students must follow all posted university guidelines when using other classroom spaces on campus for theatre courses including face protection, equipment use, social distance with seating, and disinfecting protocols. 

4. Productions 

a. Overview 

Guidelines for productions apply to any production that includes performers and technicians. There will be no live in-person audiences for productions under the current COVID-19 guidelines. 

b. Communication and Education 

Advance and onsite communications of the health and safety measures being adopted by our department is critical to making people feel confident enough to return to our venue. It is especially important to be transparent about these health and safety measures and to clearly communicate expectations regarding staff, guest, and artist behavior upon their return to our theatre. 

Communications to guests and staff should emphasize the importance of good hygiene and should clearly outline the new mitigation protocols they will encounter when attending the venue. In addition to describing screening, contact tracing, and other measures that are being implemented in accordance with public health guidelines, it is also critical to convey that venues simply cannot guarantee that all exposure to the virus will be eliminated. Disclaimer language to that effect should be included in all communications and other materials. 

Engage their staff, guests, and visiting companies by emphasizing the importance of their role in minimizing the risk of exposure and spread of COVID-19. Staff and guests should understand our expectation that they assess their health and make responsible decisions before entering the facility. Venues should consider offering guests options regarding their ticket purchase if they are unable to attend, and these options should be communicated to guests in advance to encourage them to act responsibly. 

Ultimately, the goal should be to provide a level of transparency and openness that allows guests and staff to make informed choices while not promising anything that is beyond our control. 

c. Cowles Auditorium 

Capacity: 

  • Cowles Auditorium is not available for any live in-person productions under the current COVID-19 guidelines. 

Onstage and Backstage: 

During pre-show, before the house opens, any staging rehearsals, lighting/sound/scenic/properties checks will be carefully scheduled to avoid congestion and maintain capacity and social distance. 

  • During performance only actors in the current scene and required technicians will be allowed on the stage deck.
    • Actors or technicians that need to enter the stage deck during performance will do so as close to their required entrance time as possible to avoid congregation.
  • Performers and Technicians must utilize the LiveSafe health tracking system daily per the university guidelines and are subject to no-touch temperature checks upon facility entrance.
  • Performers and Technicians will sign in digitally via a Google document maintained by the Stage Manager. 

Technical Crew: 

  • All technicians will be provided appropriate PPE and are required to use them as directed.
  • Protective barriers have been installed around the sound and lighting control booths. 
  • Communication equipment will be distributed by and returned to the sound technician and are to be used only by the individual to which they are assigned. (see more details under Sound Technicians below). 

Stage Manager: 

  • In addition to typical SM duties, will maintain a digital sign-in and oversee technician/performer health checks via LiveSafe app.
  • Any possible infection or exposure events must be reported to the Auditorium/Production Manager immediately. 

Assistant Stage Managers: 

  • In addition to typical ASM duties, they will also be responsible for enforcing physical distancing and PPE use backstage. 
  • They may also assist with the SM with technician/performer health checks.
  • They are responsible for sanitizing high touch points backstage and on the stage set as noted by the production manager during before and after performances and during intermission. 

Sound Technician: 

  • There will be no sound reinforcement for productions.
  • In addition to typical sound technician duties, they will be responsible for sanitizing sound control equipment. 

Lighting Technician: 

  • In addition to typical lighting technician duties, they will be responsible for sanitizing lighting control equipment. 

Properties Technician: 

  • In addition to typical properties technician duties, they will be responsible for distribution, collection, and sanitizing of properties used for rehearsal and performance.
  • Properties must only be handled by the technician and the performer to which they are assigned. 

Costuming Technician: 

  • All costuming will take place via virtual conference only.
  • Costume care and maintenance is the responsibility of the individual actor. 

Makeup Technician: 

  • All makeup will take place via virtual conference only.
  • Makeup tools and materials supply, care, maintenance, and application will be the responsibility of the individual actor. 

d. Stage II 

Capacity: 

Cowles Auditorium is not available for any live in-person productions under the current COVID-19 guidelines. 

Backstage: 

Onstage and Backstage: During pre-show, before the house opens, any staging rehearsals, lighting/sound/scenic/properties checks will be carefully scheduled to avoid congestion and maintain capacity and physical distance. During performance only actors in the current scene and required technicians will be allowed on the stage deck. 

Actors or technicians that need to enter the stage deck during performance will do so as close to their required entrance time as possible to avoid congregation. 

Performers and Technicians must utilize the LiveSafe health tracking system daily per the university guidelines and are subject to no-touch temperature checks upon facility entrance. 

Technical Support & Crew: 

See the same under Cowles Auditorium above. 

5. References and Further Information