coronavirus new york

NY arts & entertainment venues can reopen in April -- except for Broadway

Coronavirus Update for New York

Thursday, March 4, 2021

New rules announced for live entertainment, gatherings and domestic travelers

As more New Yorkers are vaccinated against COVID, there are no rules for travelers, gatherings and events that will soon go into place.

NEW YORK (WABC) -- In a major step forward for the entertainment industry, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that event, arts and entertainment venues can reopen - with reduced capacity - starting April 2.

However, Broadway will not be returning just yet, and it remains unclear how many venues can make their financial models work at 33% capacity.

Venues will be limited to up to 100 people indoors or 200 people outdoors.

If venues can test everyone, they can allow 150 people indoors or 500 people outdoors. Either way, all attendees must wear masks and be socially distanced.

The new rules are not expected to reopen commercial productions of Broadway plays and musicals.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo revealed an ambitious plan in January to resume public performances in the state, with the goal of reviving a vital industry that has been decimated by the coronavirus pandemic.

Charlotte St. Martin, the president of the Broadway League, said in a statement that:

"We are delighted that fans will once again be able to experience live performance events through PopsUp. While Broadway productions are not able to return just yet, we're glad that arts venues, including select Broadway theatres, will be able to open their doors and give the public a taste of what we've all been missing so much through these dark months."

Some performances are expected as pop-ups inside Broadway theaters, as well as as programming at nonprofit venues that have flexible spaces. Theaters discussing such shows include the Apollo Theater, the Park Avenue Armory, St. Ann's Warehouse, the Shed, Harlem Stage, La MaMa and the National Black Theater.

Lincoln Center and the Glimmerglass Festival have already said they hope to host perform outdoors this year, and they will be able to under these new rules.

A spokesperson with Lincoln Center released the following statement:

"We welcome the new guidelines and want to serve as many people on our campus as is safe. We're working closely with State and City officials to ensure we're able to do so. We look forward to welcoming audiences to Restart Stages, and are thrilled New York's artists and cultural organizations can begin to get back to doing what they do best."