YOUR COVID SAFE EXPERIENCE

 Fourth Wall Theatre Company - COVID Safety Plan

To ensure that you and others can have a safe, comfortable and enjoyable theatre experience we all need to play our part. Our policy will change according to government advice and will be added to as we keep developing our COVID safe plans.

This plan consists of 3 sections: REHEARSALS, PRE-PRODUCTION AND PERFORMANCES and AUDIENCE.

We’ve developed a comprehensive COVID-Safe plan in accordance with current State Government regulations to deliver safe and brilliant live theatre. We will follow the guidelines for the creative industries issued by Creative Victoria, https://creative.vic.gov.au/news/2020/coronavirus-update

AUDITIONS/REHEARSALS

· It is a condition of entry that you must be free of the following symptoms: elevated temperature, cough, cold, runny nose or other flu symptoms, have not been in contact with a confirmed case, have not been directed to isolate or awaiting Covid19 test results.

· All theatre artists (cast and crew - hereon named as “artists”) upon commencement will receive a briefing in COVID safe practices and policies, bearing in mind any State Government changes/updates for as long as they remain in place.

· Where reasonably practicable, we will schedule rehearsals to minimise the number of participants and undertake rehearsals in large, well-ventilated areas.

· We will maintain records of artists’ attendance at rehearsals for contact tracing purposes. These will be destroyed after 28 days.

· Where artists are required to participate in intimate /close contact scenes this will be articulated in writing, and agreed to by artist with written consent.

· Artists may be required to:

o complete a self-assessment tool for COVID-19

o get tested for COVID-19 prior/during rehearsals or performances

o bring items (such as pen, notebook, water bottle, mug, towel) for personal use during rehearsals.

· Artists will be required to wash/sanitise hands upon entering rehearsal space.

· Where reasonably practicable, blocking and interactions will be conducted, to the extent possible, while maintaining physical distancing.

· Where physical distancing cannot be maintained, we will implement appropriate control measures including, but not limited to, correct face mask use.

· We will limit the number of people within indoor spaces according to applicable density rules set out by the State Government.

· All artists are expected to practise good hygiene including cough and sneeze etiquette - i.e. regular handwashing; coughing or sneezing into a tissue and then disposing of the tissue safely; coughing or sneezing into the inside of the elbow; washing hands after coughing, sneezing, or blowing nose.

· We will supply hand sanitiser at each rehearsal and performance.

· Artists are required not to attend rehearsal or performances if they are unwell with COVID-19 symptoms and to get tested if they develop any COVID-19 symptoms.

· The Producer will create a cleaning schedule of frequently used areas and high touch surfaces / set / props for post-use cleaning.

 PRE-PRODUCTION AND PERFORMANCES

· It is a condition of entry that you must be free of the following symptoms: elevated temperature, cough, cold, runny nose or other flu symptoms, have not been in contact with a confirmed case, have not been directed to isolate or awaiting Covid19 test results.

· We will provide an induction/briefing about the venue’s COVID health and safety policies to cast and crew.

· We will maintain physical distancing while backstage.

· We will allocate additional time at the end of the day for cleaning and sanitisation of equipment used.

· The Producer will create a cleaning schedule of frequently used areas and high touch surfaces / set / props for post-use cleaning.

· Where reasonably practicable, individual artists will be expected to clean and sanitise personal props as directed by the Producer and in accordance the cleaning roster.

· Where reasonably practicable, cast will do their own hair and makeup and complete their own prop checks and sanitise hair and makeup kits regularly.

· Where reasonably practicable, we will prevent the sharing of hair products, makeup and costumes.

· Each dressing room will be equipped with hand sanitiser.

· Anyone interacting with performers indoors at close range will wear an appropriate face mask.

· Performers will remain 1.5 metres from the audience.

· The post-show meet and greet needs to preferably occur outside the venue, and abiding by physical distance guidelines. If it occurs indoors an appropriate face mask may be required.

 AUDIENCE

It is a condition of entry that you must be free of the following symptoms: elevated temperature, cough, cold, runny nose or other flu symptoms, have not been in contact with a confirmed case, have not been directed to isolate or awaiting Covid19 test results.

It is a condition of entry that all audience members follow the directions of our FOH staff and adhere to our Covid safe requirements during their visit. We reserve the right to refuse entry to anyone displaying COVID19 symptoms.

·   By registering on arrival, you agree to follow our COVID-Safe plan and to follow direction from staff.

·   Audience members must use the venue’s QR code to check in.

·   Our Front Of House crew will have hand sanitiser available and will ask you to use it upon entering.

·   We will not be issuing programmes or flyers for future shows but instead will provide links for people to access them digitally on our website.

·   The Producer will liaise with the venue to ensure all high touch points are sanitised before the show.

·   The maximum number of people inside the theatre will not exceed State Government guidelines at the time.

·   If required, all seats will be placed physically distant from each other unless audience members are from the same household/booking. 

· Performers will remain 1.5 metres from the audience.

· If required, the audience will be encouraged to vacate the theatre immediately after the conclusion of the show. This may occur in a staggered manner to ensure appropriate physical distancing.

·   We strongly encourage the use of face masks whilst in the venue and during performances. We are dedicated to ensuring the health and safety of everyone who is in attendance at the theatre including our FOH teams and artists. We politely ask that you help us ensure everyone’s safety with the correct use of an appropriate face mask while visiting us.

·   A very limited number of single-use face masks will be available at the venue should you have forgotten your own, though we strongly encourage you to bring your own for sustainability purposes!

·    Printed tickets will not be issued. All tickets will be made available in digital form.

·   Tickets will not be available at the door—make sure to plan ahead for your visit!

·   The theatre space will be open approximately 30 minutes prior to the beginning of the performance—this way, you can be checked in and settle in safely. This may occur in a staggered manner to ensure appropriate physical distancing.

·   All food and drink sales will be guided by the venue depending on current restrictions. Cashless payments are preferred.

·   If deemed necessary, a member of staff will check your temperature upon entry to the venue. If your temperature is below 37.5 degrees Celsius, you are welcome to enter the theatre. If your temperature is 37.5 degrees Celsius or above, we will ask you to wait outside for ten minutes, then we will re-check your temperature. If it is still 37.5 degrees or above, unfortunately we are not permitted to allow you into the theatre, and we will ask you to come back and see the show another time.

·   If you are unable to attend a performance due to illness, we will try and find you a ticket for an alternative performance or offer you a credit for a future Fourth Wall Theatre Company 2021 show.

·   Tickets can only be refunded if an event is cancelled, rescheduled or significantly relocated, as outlined in the LPA Ticketing Code of Practice.

The most current Victorian COVID-19 information is available here: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/