Mainstreet Daily News
The theatre was notified by a cast member over the weekend that one of their families, carrying multiple parts in the play, was in contact with a positive person and would need to quarantine for 14 days. This regrettably affected the theatre’s ability to move forward with the original scheduled opening.
The Chief Theatre’s highest priority is the safety of cast members and patrons and therefore must postpone our season opener until after the New Year.
Robin Hood and His Merry Men, has been rescheduled to open on Friday, January 8, 2021.
The show will run Jan. 8-10 and Jan 15-17 with Friday and Saturday shows at 7:30 pm and Sunday performances at 2:00 pm. Tickets remain on sale and you may continue to contact the theatre Box Office at 352-493-2787 to reserve your seats.
The Chief Theatre had already changed “how they conduct business” within its walls for rehearsals and plans were in place to keep patrons safe upon entering the theatre.
Theatre Covid-19 Procedures are as follows:
During Rehearsals – The theatre has a strict policy of no sick persons at rehearsals. In accordance with Levy County not having a mask mandate, the theatre strongly recommends cast wear masks during rehearsals, while still giving them discretion to choose. The cast is well-aware and reminded to stay distant from one another while not on-stage.
During Shows – There are quite a few differences in how the theatre will operate during this time. Again, no staff member feeling sick will be allowed to be onsite. The theatre intends to follow Governor Desantis’ guidelines for Phase 3 and open at 100% capacity. The theatre respectfully asks any sick patrons not attend shows. Facility and restrooms will be sanitized before and after every performance (including disinfecting seating). Masks will be worn at the patron’s individual discretion. Patrons will be asked to sanitize their hands upon entering the theatre. Lobby ushers will no longer hand out programs directly, but patrons may take one from a stand in the lobby. Hand sanitizer will be stationed at the program stand, if patrons feel the need to re-sanitize before entering the theatre. The theatre will not have traditional intermission in the lobby, but ask that patrons stretch outdoors with their own party. Restrooms will be monitored to socially distance patrons. Patrons will be excited to know that we will now sell concessions inside our theatre from the comfort of their seat as our ushers come around to meet their needs (bottled drinks and pre-packaged snacks). The after show, meet and greet will be discontinued until further notice.
These procedures will still be in place at January’s opening. The Chief Theatre anxiously awaits a live audience and will take every precaution to assure a safe performance for all upon their return.
