NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – Smaller entertainment venues across New York City will soon be welcoming audiences again, with plenty of rules.
As reported by John Dias of CBS2, COVID stole the show, but now it has to go on.
CONTINUE READING: Cuomo: Broadway may reopen through a series of pop-up concerts from February 20th
Starting April 2nd, New York City Art and Entertainment venues can Reopening at 33% capacitywith up to 100 people inside and 200 outside. These numbers can increase with testing.
The new rules apply to arenas with fewer than 10,000 people.
Audiences will need to wear face covering and practice social distancing, and performers may need to wear masks as well.
The news gives hope to actress Catherine Russell, who runs the Midtown theater center.
“I love being on stage, selling tickets, I love mopping the floor,” she said. “I think people miss that sense of community.”
A member of the Actors Equity National Council said this was critical to getting the heart of the city going again.
“It’s more than just plays and musicals, it’s jobs,” said Jeffrey Omura.
The new rules apply to spots like Radio City Music Hall and Lincoln CenterThe concert touring business, however, requires more capacity.
CONTINUE READING: With live performances in theaters that are dark due to pandemic restrictions, more are being conducted online
As for BroadwayThe performances will be suspended until at least May 30th.
“We are very pleased that the fans can again experience live performance events via PopsUp. While Broadway productions cannot return just yet, we’re glad that arts venues, including select Broadway theaters, can open their doors and give the public a taste of what we’ve all missed so much in these dark months, “the said Broadway League in a statement to CBS2.
Smaller venues like comedy clubs benefit the most.
“We were really being kept from making a living,” said Dani Zoldan, who owns Stand Up NY.
Zoldan said he was looking forward to seeing around 40 people safely laughing again at his club.
“We’re going to do temperature tests, we will probably even do COVID tests on comics,” he said.
Meanwhile, New Jersey is also making changes.
“Aspects of life feel a little more normal,” he said Governor Phil Murphy.
The governor says the Sleepaway Camps can resume this summer and 35% of the wedding receptions can be used indoors with up to 150 people starting Friday. Indoor receptions should adhere to the indoor dining guidelines that people eat and drink while seated and wear face-covering at all other times.
