Our Safety Procedures and Protocols
Updated September 3, 2021
To Port Tobacco Players, the health and safety of our members and patrons are of top priority. As we begin the reopening of the theater after our extended hiatus, these are the steps we are taking with safety and well-being top of mind. We will continue to monitor state, local, and CDC guidelines to inform our operations and adjust procedures so that safety remains the number one priority.
Effective September 8, 2021, PTP will require patrons 13 years of age and older to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination with an FDA or WHO authorized vaccine or to show proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to the performance.
Effective September 8, 2021, PTP will require patrons 13 years of age and older to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination with an FDA or WHO authorized vaccine or to show proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to the performance.
Audience Safety FAQs
What are your current safety procedures?
- All theater spaces (lobby, audience seating, green room, backstage, rehearsal hall, and bathrooms) will be cleaned before every event, including:
- General Reopening
- Performances
- Rehearsals
- Auditions
- Camp Mockabee (daily for middle and high school camps, and before as well as between AM and PM sessions for elementary school camps).
- MERV 13 HEPA filters will be installed and changed on a regular schedule.
What are your Safety Protocols for audience members?
- We will open at 50% audience capacity.
- All tickets must be purchased in advance online or through the box office.
- To ensure the safety of all patrons, face masks that securely cover the nose, mouth, and chin are required within the theater.
- Patrons must enter the theater through the new lobby door.
- Patrons will be asked to maintain social distance from other patrons outside their group in the lobby and seating area.
- To avoid congregating in the lobby, patrons are asked to proceed directly to their assigned seats upon arrival.
- Patrons are encouraged to utilize hand-sanitizing stations provided throughout the theater.
- Weather permitting, outdoor intermissions will be encouraged.
- If necessary, intermissions will be extended to maintain social distancing for restroom use.
- If feeling sick, patrons are asked to stay home and contact the box office regarding ticket exchange and refunds.
What does fully vaccinated mean?
Full vaccination means that either 14 days have passed since receiving the second dose of FDA or WHO authorized double-dose vaccines or that 14 days have passed since receiving the sole dose of FDA or WHO authorized single-dose vaccines.
How do I show proof of vaccination?
Patrons can provide proof of vaccination by presenting a current government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license or passport) along with any of the following forms at the door and should include name of person vaccinated, type of vaccine provided and date last dose administered:
Self-reported vaccination records that are not verified by a health care provider will not be accepted.
- Vaccination card;
- A clear photo of the front and back of a vaccination card as a separate document (the entire card must be visible and legible);
- A clear photo of the front and back of the attendee’s vaccine card stored on a phone or electronic device (the entire card must be visible and legible); or
- Digital vaccination record (including those issued by your health provider, government or another third party provider such as CLEAR).
Self-reported vaccination records that are not verified by a health care provider will not be accepted.
Are there any exceptions to the vaccination requirements?
- Guests under the age of 12 (provided such guest is accompanied by an adult who meets our entry requirements); or
- Guests who need a reasonable accommodation due to a medical condition or a sincerely held religious belief that prevents vaccination.
Guests 13 years of age and above who cannot be vaccinated due to a medical condition or a sincerely held religious belief must provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to the performance start time or a negative COVID-19 antigen test taken within 24 hours prior to the performance start time, verified or administered by a third party.
What is acceptable as proof of a negative PCR Test?
The following are acceptable as proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test:
The information provided needs to include name of person tested, type of test performed and date of negative PCR test result (date must be within 72 hours prior to performance start time).
- Printed document from the test provider or laboratory, or
- An email or text message displayed on a phone or electronic device from the test provider or laboratory.
The information provided needs to include name of person tested, type of test performed and date of negative PCR test result (date must be within 72 hours prior to performance start time).
WHAT HAPPENS IF I DO NOT SHOW PROOF OF VACCINATION OR A NEGATIVE PCR TEST?
Patrons who cannot show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of the start of the performance will not be admitted and their tickets will be refunded.
WILL STORE BOUGHT AT-HOME RAPID TESTS BE ACCEPTED?
Self-reported negative COVID-19 test results that are not from a third party test provider, laboratory or health care provider will not be accepted.
DO I HAVE TO SHOW PROOF OF VACCINATION AT EACH EVENT?
Yes, in order to protect your privacy we will not keep copies of guests’ vaccination records.
MY FRIENDS/FAMILY ARE ATTENDING A PERFORMANCE I PURCHASED TICKETS TOO. DO THEY ALSO NEED TO SHOW PROOF OF VACCINATION?
As the ticket purchaser, it is your responsibility to ensure your party understands our vaccination policy. This includes any guests who attend performances with tickets you have purchased.All persons attending PTP events must show proof of vaccination.
WHY DO WE HAVE TO WEAR MASKS WHEN EVERYONE IS EITHER VACCINATED OR HAVE A NEGATIVE PCR TEST RESULT?
In accordance with Charles County’s current policy, masks are required within our theater. It is our hope that wearing masks will help to slow down the spread of breakthrough cases, particularly the Delta variant.
WILL SEATING IN THE AUDITORIUM BE DISTANCED?
Yes. All seating will be distanced by having every other row unavailable.
I CAN NO LONGER ATTEND. WHAT IS YOUR TICKET REFUND OR EXCHANGE POLICY?
Tickets can be exchanged for future PTP performances. Ticket refunds are available by request for those who cannot attend due to the vaccination requirement. In addition, tickets can be donated back to the theater for a tax-deductible contribution. To request a ticket change or refund, please contact boxoffice@ptplayers.com or 301.932.6819.
I HAVE QUESTIONS. WHO CAN I TALK TO?
Please contact boxoffice@ptplayers.com or 301.932.6819.
WHAT ARE YOUR REQUIREMENTS FOR PERFORMERS AND CREW?
- All performers and crew 13 years of age and older must be vaccinated.
- All performers and crew are required to use sanitizing wipes placed in bathrooms for cleaning shared surfaces after each use.
While PTP is following recommended practices, these protocols do not offer absolute protection against contracting COVID-19. Those purchasing or attending PTP events voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19. In accordance with PTP’s Code of Conduct, PTP reserves the right to require attendees who do not follow our guidelines, or who are disrespectful to staff, artists, volunteers, or other patrons, to leave an event immediately without a refund.
For the protection of audience members, volunteers, and the actors, if you feel sick, please stay home.
For the protection of audience members, volunteers, and the actors, if you feel sick, please stay home.
