Adjusting the Spotlight: Broadway and Hollywood Revise COVID-19 Protocols Amidst the New Normal
In a subtle move during the month of May, Broadway administrators discreetly abandoned their prior COVID-19 vaccine mandate for Broadway personnel, including actors and other workers, adopting instead a more relaxed testing model. This allows individual productions to determine the frequency of COVID-19 tests for their cast and crew members, ranging from weekly tests to testing as desired.
Actors’ Equity Association’s Assistant Executive Director, Andrea Hoeschen, commented on the shift, stating, “Transitioning from COVID-specific protocols to versatile, long-term strategies for addressing infectious disease encourages ongoing cooperation between employers and Equity. It ensures a level of preparedness to swiftly respond to existing and emerging threats in the workplace.”
The decision to relinquish the vaccine mandate, originally instituted by Broadway producers in July 2021, came as a consequence of a routine review of COVID-19 protocols by the Broadway League. The league, a trade association representing producers and general managers, has now revised the wording to state, “Employees are urged to keep current with COVID-19 immunisations.”
When queried as to whether individual producers still possess the authority to insist on vaccination for their show’s cast and crew members, the spokesperson responded that the League was “not in a position to comment.”
Similar changes were observed in Hollywood, where the vaccine mandate was abolished for new film and television productions commencing post-May 12. It is now possible that testing may only be mandatory in specific scenarios, such as scenes involving intimacy.
These adjustments follow in the wake of a congressional resolution signed by President Joe Biden on April 11, 2023, terminating the COVID-19 national emergency. The federal public health emergency officially ceased on May 11.
Even prior to this, Broadway had withdrawn its vaccination requirement for audience members as early as April 30, 2022. From July that year, mask-wearing became optional for audiences, although certain productions still insist on masks for specific performances or seating areas.
In anticipation of the industry’s reopening in autumn 2021, the vaccine mandate for cast and crew members was implemented by theatrical unions and Broadway producers. There existed a potential exemption for individuals unable to be vaccinated due to disability or genuinely held religious beliefs.
The implementation of COVID-19 testing on Broadway has long embraced a degree of adaptability. To illustrate, in the autumn of 2021, the Broadway League and Actors’ Equity devised protocols utilising the COVID Act Now heat map to dictate the minimum testing frequency per week. However, this minimum testing pace was presented as a guideline rather than an obligation. During the surge of the Omicron variant, several productions opted for testing more frequently than recommended.
In spite of these leniencies, it remains of utmost importance, both within Australia and globally, for individuals to maintain vigilance in the ongoing battle against COVID-19 and any other infectious diseases. Should one feel unwell, it is crucial to stay at home and seek appropriate medical advice. This responsibility holds true not only for the protection of oneself but also for the safeguarding of others and the welfare of industries such as theatre and film, which are fundamentally social in nature. In addition to protecting individuals involved in productions, this strategy also ensures the industry’s resilience and longevity. Remember, every small act can have a ripple effect in our interconnected world, and maintaining one’s health is the first step in a collective endeavour to keep our communities and industries safe.
