NEW YORK (WCBS 880) – Arts and entertainment venues in New York state can begin reopening at 33% capacity on Friday after more than a year of closures because of the pandemic.
Broadway shows will remain dark, but New Yorkers can laugh again at a comedy club or watch a musical performance or play at a small theater.
Among the venues reopening is the Theater Center at W. 50th Street and Broadway.
Actress Catherine Russell said the Theater Center has many safety protocols in place, including air scrubbers and temperature screening. Audience members will be seated in pods and all actors, company and staff have been vaccinated.
Russell sees the reopening as a test.
“If people come to off-Broadway venues and feel safe, and they’re clean, and people are wearing masks, and people are having a good time, I think they’re much more willing to buy a ticket to a Broadway show this fall,” Russell said.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced last month that the arts and entertainment venues will be able to have up to 100 people indoors and up to 200 people outdoors.
Capacity can increase to up to 150 people indoors and up to 500 people outdoors if all attendees present proof of a negative COVID-19 test prior to entry, Cuomo said.
Social distancing and face coverings will be required by all attendees, as well as strict adherence to all guidance from the Department of Health, the governor said.
However, the capacity limit of 33% isn’t sustainable for many clubs, who are waiting for allowances of at least 50% capacity. Among them are the Village Vanguard, Bowery Ballroom, Mercury Lounge, Public Theater and the Iridium jazz club.
Iridium owner Ron Sturm told the New York Times he’ll “let other people be pioneers.”
“For us, it’s more of a wait-and-see posture,” Sturm said.
Broadway theaters will not be among the venues opening Friday. Mayor Bill de Blasio said last month that the plan was to have Broadway theaters up and running by September.
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