The Village Theatre Guild, Ltd.
intimate space. infinite possibilities
COVID-19
The Village Theatre Guild, Ltd. has joined a growing coalition of performing arts venues across Chicagoland and has adopted COVID-19 Vaccination and Mask Requirements for audiences and members, effective August 1, 2022. To ensure the safest possible environment for those participating in any activity at the Village Theatre Guild these protocols are currently in effect. They will be reviewed regularly, and may include an extension or relaxation of certain provisions as needed.
The Village Theatre Guild, Ltd. has relaxed its COVID-19 restrictions for audiences. We strive to ensure the safest possible environment for those participating in any activity at the Village Theatre Guild and encourage actors, production staff, crew and audience members to be fully vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19, and to wear a face mask while in the theatre. However, effective February 7, 2023, there will no longer be monitoring of vaccination status or a requirement to wear a face mask while in the building. This policy will be reviewed regularly, and may include a return to stricter protocols as public health conditions warrant.
Face Masks will be made available for audience use upon request.
Admittance to the building when not meeting the following requirements will be denied:
Vaccinations
All individuals (actors, crew and VTG members, and audience members) are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to entering the building. “Fully vaccinated,” as defined by the CDC, is more than 14 calendar days following receipt of a final dose of an FDA authorized vaccine. Proof of vaccination in the form of a vaccination card (or a copy or a digital representation of the card) and personal identification is required to be presented at the box office prior to entering the building.
For those unable to be vaccinated, proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of the event start time, or a negative COVID-19 antigen test taken within 6 hours of the event start time is required to be presented at the box office prior to entering the building.
Masks
Regardless of vaccination status, all persons are required to wear a properly fitting face covering at all times when attending or participating in a performance or indoor event at the Village Theatre Guild.
The exception to the mask requirement is for Actors performing, rehearsing, or auditioning on stage; or while backstage or in the dressing room.
Safety Protocols
Village Theatre Guild has instituted additional protocols to address mitigation efforts against the spread of the COVID-19 virus. We have improved the air filtration in our space, added air purifiers, enhanced cleaning procedures and have made hand sanitizers available throughout the theatre.
Vaccinations (14 days since final vaccine)
Actors: Vaccination required prior to any audition, rehearsal, work or performance.
Performance staff and crews (anyone who may come into contact with actors, audience or work in the light/sound booth): Vaccination required prior to first audition rehearsal, work or performance.
Proof of vaccination in the form of a vaccination card (or a copy or a digital representation of the card) is required to be presented to Membership Chair, Producer, Director or designated production volunteer prior to entering the building.
Audience members are encouraged to be fully vaccinated including boosters for COVID-19.,” and personal identification is required to be presented at the box office prior to entering the building.
Masks
Required for all building occupants, regardless of vaccination status during performances of public productions at Village Theatre Guild.
Exception is Actors performing, rehearsing or auditioning on stage or in costume/makeup backstage or dressing room. Unmasked actors are not allowed in theatre seating area. Stage Manager and Light and Sound crew in Tech Booth are not required to be masked during performances.
COVID testing
None required, except if self-assessed as having symptoms (see Symptom Monitoring.) Actors, members and crew will be vaccinated.
Symptom Monitoring
The theater mantra of “The Show Must Go On” does not apply when it comes to COVID symptoms.
In general, audience members and other event participants are encouraged to self-assess and stay home if feeling sick.
Social Distancing
Due to the space in our theatre we cannot provide social distancing in our audience. The theatre seating will remain the same, and audience will be informed in advance. Masks will be required.
Food & Beverages
No food and/or beverages will be served to audience indoors during intermission. Mini 8 oz. bottles of water and snack size pre-packaged snacks will be available for audience (outdoors if weather permits.)
Notice received of a person with a positive COVID test
Follow CDC guidelines (01/09/2022) regarding notification of a person with a positive COVID test, or COVID symptoms or known exposure to someone with COVID.
Communication
Information will be shared on the VTG website (www.villagetheatreguild.org ) and in updates by email.
Safety Protocols
Village Theatre Guild has instituted additional protocols to address mitigation efforts against the spread of the COVID-19 virus. We have improved the air filtration in our space, added air purifiers, enhanced cleaning procedures and have made hand sanitizers available throughout the theatre.
FAQs
Plan to bring your vaccination card or proof of negative COVID test. (A photo of your immunization card or copy of the card is acceptable.) You may want to make a digital copy of your card to have on your phone.
Also bring an identification card (driver’s license, student ID or state ID card.)
Don’t forget your mask! (If you forget your face covering, we will have a fresh mask for you.). Masks covering both mouth and nose must be worn at all times.
For children under 12, people with a medical condition or closely held religious belief that prevents vaccination, please email us at [email protected] so we may make note of your situation prior to attending a performance. However, a negative COVID-19 test will still be required.
Refreshments will not be available during an indoor intermission at the performance. We ask that guests consume their drinks and snacks prior to entering the theatre.
There are many testing centers across Chicagoland including CVS and Walgreens. Additional locations can be found on the DuPage County Health Department website.
COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of the performance start time (and takes 24 hours to receive results), and a negative COVID-19 antigen test taken within 6 hours of the performance start time (is known as a rapid results test as you should have results within 15 minutes).
Yes. Proof of Vaccine or COVID-19 Negative Test results are required.
If you are not feeling well and exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19, or have been exposed to COVID-19 in the past 10 days, you should not attend a performance at Village Theatre Guild. Please contact us at [email protected] to discuss exchanges and refund options.
Check with your point of immunization. A photo of your immunization card or copy of the card is accepted.
©2023 The Village Theatre Guild, Ltd.