This browser does not support the Video element.
Milwaukee’s performing arts groups require COVID vaccine, negative test
Milwaukee’s performing arts organizations will require COVID-19 vaccinations or proof of negative test within 72 hours of events for all audience members 12 and up attending indoor performances beginning in September.
MILWAUKEE - Milwaukee’s performing arts organizations will require COVID-19 vaccinations or proof of a negative test within 72 hours of events for all audience members ages 12 and older who attend indoor performances beginning in September.
SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News
Performing arts organizations following these COVID-19 precautions include:
- Black Arts MKE
- First Stage
- Florentine Opera
- Marcus Performing Arts Center
- Milwaukee Ballet
- Milwaukee Chamber Theatre
- Milwaukee Repertory Theater
- Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra
- Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra
- Present Music
- Skylight Music Theatre
The Milwaukee Ballet welcomed back audiences in February with limited capacity and masks required. The additional measures announced Wednesday come in conjunction with the other performing arts groups.
"We all felt it was important for us as a group to have similar policies so audience members wouldn’t be confused, and see essentially a united front in the arts and entertainment sphere," said Kendra Ingram, president and CEO of the Marcus Performing Arts Center.
Marcus Performing Arts Center
At the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, refunds will be offered for people unwilling to meet the new requirements.
"We’re in the business of bringing together large groups of people indoors for multiple hours sitting shoulder to shoulder, so getting vaccinated is really the key to allow us to do that," Ingram said.
FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX6 News app for iOS or Android.
The Marcus Center for the Performing Arts has not had an indoor show since March 2020, but is preparing to ramp things up.
"Once October hits, we are rolling through basically the Christmas holiday," Ingram said. That includes the return of Milwaukee Ballet's "Nutcracker"
The Nutcracker rehearsed in 2020 by the Milwaukee Ballet
Exact protocols may vary by organization, and audience members are encouraged to contact individual organizations for details or questions regarding policies. Pabst Theater Group and Milwaukee Film/Oriental Theater also have protocols in place.
For more information on individual organization policies and ticket refunds, visit their websites.
Summerfest opens Thursday: COVID entry reminders as buzz builds
Summerfest returns Thursday, Sept. 2. After the COVID-19 pandemic paused the Big Gig, fans and musicians are pumped up.
Wisconsin DHS: Mask up, follow public health practices ahead of Labor Day
Ahead of Labor Day weekend, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) encourages Wisconsinites to celebrate safely.
The Hop: Summerfest extended service hours
The Hop announced on Wednesday, Sept. 1 extended hours to accommodate Summerfest attendees staying until the festival closes each night.