By Catlin Gabel
Like many theatres across the country, theatres in the San Francisco Bay Area have implemented sets of protocols to keep audiences safe amid the Covid-19 pandemic. The Theatre Bay Area organization has partnered with a coalition of area theatres to establish standard safety protocols, including vaccination requirements and mandatory masking.
Exact protocols vary by venue, but at minimum, most venues require proof of full Covid-19 vaccination, meaning that it has been 14 days since a one-dose vaccine or the second shot of a second-dose vaccine. Patrons can present a physical card, photo of a card, or digital certification through the state of California or a medical provider. At venues that allow it, those who are unvaccinated due to a religious or medical exemption, or are under age 12, may present proof of a negative Covid-19 test.
Below are details on vaccination and mask requirements at San Francisco Bay Area theatres, as well as additional Covid-19 safety protocols each theatre has in place. These may include mask-wearing, social distancing, ventilation, increased cleaning, and more. You can purchase tickets to shows at all the below venues on TodayTix.
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American Conservatory Theater
All audiences at American Conservatory Theater must present a photo ID proof of full Covid-19 vaccination to enter. ACT will release protocols for those legally exempted from getting vaccinated — including children 12 and younger and adults with medical or religious exemptions — in January 2022. All audience members, vaccinated or not, must wear masks in the theatre at all times.
BroadwaySF (Golden Gate Theatre and Orpheum Theatre)
Through January 31, 2022, all ticketholders 12 years of age or older are required to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination for entry into a BroadwaySF Theatre. Guests under 12, when accompanied by a fully vaccinated adult may enter the theatre with ONE of the following:
Proof of one dose of an FDA or WHO approved vaccine at least 14 days before the performance date OR A negative COVID-19 PCR test performed by a medical provider within 72 hours of the performance start time. The test results must clearly show the date and time of the test. COVID-19 antibody tests are not valid and will not be accepted. Children under 5 are not admitted.
Beginning February 1, 2022, in addition to the above requirements, and in accordance with City of San Francisco mandates all ticketholders 16 years of age and older who are eligible must present proof of a vaccination Booster. The Booster must have been completed at least one week prior to your scheduled performance.
All ticketholders ages 12–15 must continue to show proof of full vaccination, but no Booster is required at this time. All ticketholders ages 5–11 (or their parents or guardians) must show for each child either proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test.
All ticketholders 12 years of age or older must also bring a photo ID. The following is suitable as proof of vaccination— a physical vaccination card, a picture of your vaccination card, or a digital vaccination record. All patrons, regardless of age, are required to wear masks inside the theatre at all times (except when consuming food or beverage in the lobby or auditorium).
Feinstein's at the Nikko
Feinstein's at the Nikko is a vaccination-only venue. All audiences must present a photo ID proof of full Covid-19 vaccination to enter. All guests must wear masks at all times when not actively eating or drinking, including whenever a server approaches their table. In addition, Feinstein’s has reopened with a greatly reduced seating capacity to maintain social distancing. All parties will be seated at least six feet from others.
San Francisco Playhouse
All audiences at the San Francisco Playhouse must present a photo ID and proof of full Covid-19 vaccination. Those with vaccine exemptions by law must contact the box office in advance, and they may be allowed to present proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of the performance. All audience members, vaccinated or not, must wear masks in the theatre at all times, except when actively eating or drinking in the lobby. Gaiters and bandanas are not accepted.
In addition, San Francisco Playhouse has implemented a contactless, low-touch experience. All tickets will be sold in advance and must be printed at home or presented on the guest’s phone; no will-call tickets will be sold. Programs will be digital. The theatre will leave one empty seat between parties, and concessions may only be consumed in the lobby, not the auditorium. Increased cleaning will take place on high-touch surfaces, restrooms will be cleaned before each performance, and hand sanitizing stations are available throughout the venue. Lobby windows are open for increased air circulation.