According to an article posted in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel this morning, most major Milwaukee area arts groups and presenters will require proof of vaccination against COVID or proof of a negative test for COVID within the previous 72 hours. This policy of course coincides with similar policies being enforced by Summerfest, the Pabst Theater Group, Milwaukee Film, and any number of performers who are currently on tour. The policy will apply to all audience members 12 years and older.
This will impact the touring performances of Hamilton and of course local season offerings like the Milwaukee Repertory Theater’s A Christmas Carol and the Milwaukee Ballet’s Nutcracker.
The arts organizations who have signed on to the policy include:
- Black Arts MKE
- First Stage
- Florentine Opera
- Marcus Performing Arts Center
- Milwaukee Ballet
- Milwaukee Chamber Theatre
- Milwaukee Repertory Theater
- Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra
- Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra
- Present Music
- Skylight Music Theatre
“Creating a unified safety policy for our organizations follows the guidance from local and national health experts, and more importantly, it means we’re doing what’s best for our audiences to help reduce their risk of illness while keeping the arts community healthy, safe and protected,” said Milwaukee Rep executive director Chad Bauman in the statement.
Policies on masks are not part of this initiative and will be determined by the individual groups…so audience members should visit each organization’s website for current details or call to get the latest information. And the groups will offer refunds for previously purchased tickets. Contact their box offices for information.
And finally:
“I am grateful our partners have made the tough decisions to protect our residents so we can all enjoy Milwaukee’s performing arts,” said Kirsten Johnson, Milwaukee’s health commissioner.
Update 9/3/2021: I have just received an email from Renaissance Theaterworks that states they too are requiring proof of vaccination or negative tests for all audience members 12 and over, from September 1 through December 31, 2021. They are also requiring all audience members to wear a mask except when eating or drinking at the theater. Again, contact RTW directly if you have any questions.
