COLUMBUS, Ohio — Theaters are eager to return to the stage. In order to do that safely, theaters across Columbus are now requiring vaccines for their actors and patrons.
What You Need To Know
- Short North Stage joins several Columbus theaters in asking all cast, crew and staff to be fully vaccinated
- Patrons must show proof of vaccination or a negative test result taken within 72 hours
- They are currently preparing for their production of Young Frankenstein
- Young Frankenstein will run from Oct. 7 to Nov. 7
One of those theaters is Short North Stage.
Artistic Director Edward Carignan has been performing since he was six years old. Performing all over the country, including New York City, and he’ll now be found choreographing steps for Short North Stage’s upcoming show, Young Frankenstein.
The past year-and-a-half has been particularly tough on the performing arts community, but Short North Stage found new and creative ways to keep performing.
They housed and quarantined actors so they could perform virtually using green screens and masks. They began back on stage with masks and limited capacity, but now they are ready to get back to normal.
“To see actors who are really depressed about losing their livelihood,” said Carignan. “Losing their artistic expression and we’ve been one of the few places they can come back and find work and get paid to do what they do best”.
Carignan has continued working with his team to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for the theater’s patrons. Following the guidance of the Actors Equity Association, and the Columbus Association of the Performing Arts, Short North Stage now asks all cast, crew, and staff to be fully vaccinated, and all patrons to show proof of vaccination or a negative test result given within 72 hours.
Short North Stage isn’t the only theater with these new protocols. They follow popular Columbus theaters, including The Ohio Theater and The Columbus Children’s Theater.
The response has been overall positive for Short North Stage, only losing a few patrons since the announcement. Associate artistic director Dionysia Williams said their goal is to keep everyone safe but also make everyone feel included.
“We also ask that maybe just get a negative COVID test,” said Williams. “Having that negative test just ensures your peace of mind, as well as everyone else that’s attending that event with you as well. Same with our artists, we do abide by some different equity rules, but that’s still in place. We do understand everyone has a different journey, a different journey so we do respect that.”
Opening night is right around the corner. Young Frankenstein was the show on stage right before the pandemic shut the theater down. Only getting to run a week, Carignan said the protocols will give them a chance to pick up where they left off.
“The cast and crew are incredible, the set is beautiful, the lighting is beautiful, it’s going to be a big splashy Broadway musical, said Carignan. “ Which is exactly what we all need right now.”
The Short North Stage’s Young Frankenstein will run from Oct. 7 until Nov. 7. Those not vaccinated will be required to have a negative COVID-19 test result within 72 hours of the show. Tickets may be purchased here.
