In May, Broadway made a significant change to its COVID-19 protocols by dropping its vaccine mandate for actors and workers. Instead, they adopted a more flexible testing model that allows individual productions to determine their own testing frequency. The decision to eliminate the vaccine mandate came as part of a routine review of COVID-19 protocols by the Broadway League, the trade association for producers and general managers. The new language in the protocols now encourages employees to stay up to date on COVID-19 immunizations.
Actors’ Equity Association Assistant Executive Director Andrea Hoeschen expressed support for this change, stating that it allows for continued collaboration between employers and Equity. It also enables a more responsive approach to addressing both old and new workplace threats related to infectious diseases.
While the vaccine mandate has been lifted, it remains unclear whether individual producers can still require vaccination for cast and crew members on their shows. The Broadway League spokesperson did not provide a clear answer on this matter.
Similarly, the Hollywood industry dropped its vaccine mandate for new film and television productions starting after May 12. However, they still require testing in certain cases involving scenes of intimacy. These changes come in the wake of President Joe Biden signing a congressional resolution on April 11, 2023, which brought an end to the COVID-19 national emergency. The federal public health emergency officially ended on May 11.
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Before the vaccine mandate for cast and crew members was lifted, Broadway had already dropped its vaccination requirement for audience members starting in April 2022. Mask-wearing became optional for audience members starting in July of that year, although some productions have still required masks for select performances or seating locations.
The vaccine mandate for cast and crew members was initially implemented by theatrical unions and Broadway producers ahead of the industry’s reopening in fall 2021. There was a possible exemption for individuals who were not vaccinated due to a disability or sincerely held religious belief, but this exemption was subject to the employer’s approval.
COVID-19 testing has always had some flexibility on Broadway. For instance, in the fall of 2021, the Broadway League and Actors’ Equity established protocols that utilized the COVID Act Now heat map to determine the minimum number of times companies needed to be tested per week. However, this minimum testing frequency was only a suggestion, not a requirement. During the surge of the Omicron variant, many productions were testing more frequently than the suggested minimum.
Overall, these changes reflect the evolving nature of COVID-19 protocols in the performing arts industry. As the pandemic situation continues to develop, Broadway and Hollywood are adapting their guidelines to strike a balance between ensuring safety and allowing for the smooth operation of productions. The focus now shifts to encouraging individuals to stay informed about COVID-19 immunizations.
