NewsCoronavirus

Actions

Broadway theaters loosen vaccination policy, still requiring masks

APTOPIX Theater Broadway Returns
Posted
and last updated

Broadway theatergoers will have to keep their masks up through at least May 31, the Broadway League said Friday. The announcement comes as the United States deals with a COVID-19 surge, with cases rising nationally and in most states after a two-month decline.

One policy change is that Broadway theaters will soon leave vaccination checks up to theater owners. The Shubert Organization, which owns 17 theaters, said it will not require proof of vaccination from patrons starting May 1.

The Broadway League will announce future masking protocols in May. Broadway’s mask and vaccination policy has been in place since July 30, 2021.

“Since resuming performances last fall, over 5 million attendees have seen a Broadway show, and the safety and security of our cast, crew, and audience has been our top priority,” Charlotte St. Martin, president of The Broadway League said. Our intention is that by maintaining strict audience masking through at least the month of May, we will continue that track record of safety for all. And of course, we urge everyone to get vaccinated.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported a small uptick in the number of COVID-19 cases throughout the United States. Cases are up 30% from a week ago, causing concerns that deaths and hospitalizations could also rise.

Although experts say COVID-19 is more contagious than ever before, as more Americans gain antibodies through vaccines and infections, it's unclear how deadly another surge of the virus would be.

,

Weather

Daily Forecast

View Hourly Forecast

Day

Conditions

HI / LO

Precip

Thursday

05/01/2025

Mostly Sunny

86° / 61°

4%

Friday

05/02/2025

Sunny

89° / 60°

0%

Saturday

05/03/2025

Partly Cloudy

77° / 51°

12%

Sunday

05/04/2025

Mostly Cloudy

69° / 56°

19%

Monday

05/05/2025

Partly Cloudy

79° / 58°

2%

Tuesday

05/06/2025

Sunny

83° / 60°

0%

Wednesday

05/07/2025

Sunny

86° / 62°

0%

Thursday

05/08/2025

Mostly Sunny

89° / 63°

0%