Performing Arts COVID-19 Resources
Over the past couple of months, many organizations have written white papers and/or set up web pages on the impact of COVID-19 on the performing arts, reopening, bringing audiences back and more. I thought it would be helpful to bring them together into one post. So, here are summaries and links to some of the better resources. I hope at least one is helpful to you. Obviously newer information will be the most relevant, but the older information is still very useful.
If you know of other useful resources, please let me know. I’ll update this page as I learn of additional information.
Let’s start with the basics. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a home page for COVID-19 information.
Second, keeping the PAC clean and safe. What can PACs do and what are employers required to do?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has a web page outlining the basic Hierarchy of Controls from most effective to least effective. The page notes that “Controlling exposures to occupational hazards is the fundamental method of protecting workers. Traditionally, a hierarchy of controls has been used as a means of determining how to implement feasible and effective control solutions.” Here’s the key graphic:
Similarly, the OSHA Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 contains recommendations and descriptions of mandatory safety and health standards that employers must comply with.
The CDC has information on Cleaning and Disinfecting Facilities.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published a list of products that meet their criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
The American Institute of Architects’ Re-occupancy Assessment Tool V1.0 was published on May 6th. The document isn’t specific to theatres but provides information and checklists for a whole-building approach to mitigation strategies.
You may have heard that UV-C can kill the virus. The Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) has a few resources regarding UV-C disinfection.
Ten Facts about UV Radiation and COVID-19
Third, what about the organization itself? The National Endowment for the Arts has a great list of COVID-19 Resources for Artists and Arts Organizations.
The Event Safety Alliance published The Event Safety Alliance Reopening Guide on May 11th. Like the IAAPA guide, this is comprehensive and, I think, a little more relevant to performing arts venues.
AMS Analytics has published a 2nd draft edition of Guide to Reopening Theatrical Venues on May 15th under the banner of The Performing Arts Center Consortium. The guide is well written and has clear tables describing aspects of a PAC, Phases of reopening and safety and mitigation actions to take at each phase.
AMS Analytics also published The Long Runway to Return: The Role of Anchor Cultural Institutions, which urges major institutions to focus on their mission as they adapt to new artistic and financial realties.
Shugoll Research published Coronavirus Theatre Survey: National Sample of Theatregoers on May 11th. The results aren’t surprising and include statistics such 63% of theatregoesrs are likely to wait a few months before returning to the theatre.
IAAPA published COVID-19 Reopening Guidance: Considerations for the Global Attractions Industry on May 1st . It is a comprehensive paper on general considerations as well as considerations for specific elements of a venue such as food service, offices, and backstage spaces.
Other Resources:
Handwashing (World Health Organization)
Physical Distancing (CDC)
Face Masks / Face Coverings (CDC)
Cloth Face Coverings (CDC)
Coronavirus Symptoms (CDC)
Gensler has a blog with posts related to how companies and architectural design may need to change in response to COVID-19