A MESSAGE TO OUR GUESTS

UPDATE Dec 16: Capitol Theatre Covid-19 Policy

On behalf of the Capitol Theatre Board of Directors and Senior Management, we once again wish to thank our community for your tremendous support. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we continue to work to ensure our beloved theatre is a safe and comfortable environment for all.

The Covid-19 safety measures in place are about more than physical health and safety. They indicate a caring approach to our community, bolster mental health by reducing anxiety, and showing everyone in the Capitol family that their safety is of the utmost importance.

We will continue to stay focused on safety with continuous review of this policy and reserve the right to update as necessary and/or to follow the government and public health authority direction.

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As of Sept 15th, 2022, masks will no longer be mandatory, however, will remain highly encouraged for patrons attending a performance at the Capitol Theatre. Staff, volunteers and artists will continue to wear masks, except when immediately eating or drinking. The theatre will continue to provide distanced seating for all performances.

Prior to purchasing tickets to a performance, guests are expected to have reviewed and understood the current Capitol Theatre COVID-19 Safety Policy available on the website and posted at the box office. We will continue to communicate any changes to our policy as they are developed.

Our greatest privilege is to serve our community with quality arts and entertainment programming throughout the year and we thank you in advance for your support ensuring that we can continue to do just that!

If there are any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@capitoltheatre.com of 905-885-1071.

This policy is effective on September 1, 2021.

Purpose and General Statement

In light of the impact of COVID-19, the continuing concerns with variants of COVID-19, the ready availability of the COVID-19 vaccine, and in accordance with the Government of Ontario’s requirements, the Capitol Theatre is introducing a policy for COVID-19.

A copy of this policy is published on our web site (capitoltheatre.com) and copies are located at our box office, in the theatre lobby and at building entrances. Questions about the policy can be sent via telephone (905-885-1071) or to our email address – info@capitoltheatre.com

Protection of our staff, volunteers, artists, agents, contractors, audience members and other persons entering the Capitol Theatre premises (collectively called the “Covered Persons”) is of paramount importance.

The purpose of this policy is to reduce the risk of exposure to and transmission of COVID-19, a highly infectious and deadly communicable disease and is adopted to comply with Capitol Theatre obligations under occupational health and safety, human rights and other applicable legislation to take every reasonable precaution in the circumstances to protect workers and other Covered Persons entering our premises.

Covered Persons are not required to provide proof of vaccination and patrons attending performances and volunteers performing volunteer services will no longer be required to wear masks while in the Capitol Theatre premises, although they remain strongly encouraged to do so.  Staff, artists and other Covered Persons will continue to be required to wear masks except when immediately eating or drinking.  All Covered Persons will be asked, where practicable, to maintain social distancing.

This decision has not been taken lightly.  In our view, requiring that all such individuals comply with this policy is necessary to ensure that everyone can work in a safe environment and our patrons can attend our theatre performances with confidence.

Refusal

In the event an individual who is required to wear a mask does not wear a mask, that individual will not be allowed to enter the Capitol Theatre or, if in the Capitol Theatre, will be asked to leave.  Employees will be placed on a leave without pay.

Respect for Human Rights

As required by human rights legislation, the Capitol Theatre will consider any request for accommodation, up to the point of undue hardship, by a Covered Person who is unable to comply with this policy.

Health Certification

By entering the Capitol Theatre premises, Covered Persons are acknowledging that the statements below are true each time they enter the Capitol Theatre. If any such statement is not true, the Covered Person should not enter the Capitol Theatre and, in the case of ticket-holders, use the exchange and refund policy to reschedule or refund their tickets:

• I have not tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 10 days;
• I have not experienced, within the past 48 hours, any new or worsening symptoms of COVID-19;
• I have not had contact with any person having or suspected of having COVID-19 within the past 10 days.

 

Health Screening and Monitoring

• Persons attending the Capitol Theatre may be asked COVID-19 screening questions either prior to arrival through a seating reservation system or upon arrival.
• If anyperson (staff, volunteer, artist and contractor) were to feel ill during their shift, they will be expected to report this change in their health to staff or volunteer captain and will be asked to go home, self isolate and consult medical advice.

Public Access Areas 

• All public access areas will be supervised by staff/volunteers.
• Sanitation stations will be available throughout the event area consisting of hand sanitizer, disposable gloves and face masks.

Seating

To ensure the comfort and safety of our audience members, we are operating at a reduced capacity, with a reserved seating map to include a designated socially distanced seating area accommodating audience members who wish to sit at a distance.

Mask Use

For Covered Persons, unless exempted by this policy, face coverings – covering nose, mouth, and chin- must be always worn, except when eating or drinking in the assigned theatre seats or in other designated areas.

• All staff and contractors will wear masks during their shifts and are encouraged to always maintain social distancing. When not performing, performers shall wear masks. Children under the age of 2 are exempt.

Cleaning and Sanitation Procedures

• All people on site (staff, volunteers, performers, contractors, and guests) will be asked to sanitize their hands at the beginning of their shift, upon entering the event and regularly throughout their visit. Signage will be posted throughout the event space and backstage areas.
• Sanitation stations will be available to people on site (staff, volunteers, performers, contractors, and guests) and accessible throughout the event area and building consisting of hand sanitizer and masks.

The Capitol Theatre shall review this policy and update it as required by changing events and by government and public health authority direction.

Revision History

Approved by Board of Directors – September 14, 2021

Amended – September 22, 2021

Amended – October 25, 2021

Amended – June 15, 2022

Amended – September 15, 2022

Amended – June 9, 2023