Submitted by San Juan Island Community Theatre.

In response to the Governor’s announcement on Feb. 17 providing anticipated ending dates of vaccination and masking requirements, San Juan Community Theatre’s Board of Trustees voted on Feb. 23 to update the organizations’ COVID policies. Beginning March 7, Theatre COVID safety policies will be guided by state and county requirements. With limited exceptions, SJCT will no longer require proof of vaccination for audience members as of March 7 and anticipates ending indoor masking when state and county masking mandates are lifted. Brandon Cadwell, Board of Trustees president said, “SJCT has always been in full compliance with federal, state, and local public health requirements, and SJCT’s policies will continue to align with those requirements as they change. Safety for staff, volunteers, and patrons remains our highest priority, and we are closely monitoring COVID developments. More restrictive policies may be adopted at a future date if they will make a substantial difference in creating a safe environment.” Cadwell said, “The SJCT Board of Trustees made this decision following careful thought and discussion. We understand there is a wide range of public opinion and have asked staff members to refer comments to board@sjctheatre.org so board members can respond personally.” Executive Artistic Director, Nathan Kessler-Jeffrey, noted that some performances will have unique safety guidelines that SJCT is contractually obligated to fulfill. “The artists booked for SJCT’s current season were contracted under our prior policies and we are in the process of confirming the health measures they require. Updates will be posted to our website and patrons who have purchased tickets will be emailed regarding changes to these policies for concerts they are attending.” Kessler-Jeffrey also explained that Sunday matinees for SJCT’s productions of Cinderella and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee would be masked and socially distanced. “We understand that there are vulnerable populations on San Juan Island, and SJCT will be providing these Sunday matinees as an option for folks who would like an extra measure of safety. Audience members will be socially distanced, masked, and no concessions will be served.”

“Many other performing arts organizations will not be able to adapt to changing state and local guidelines as quickly as SJCT,” Kessler-Jeffrey said. “I anticipate that much of our industry will be requiring proof of vaccination for some time as venues negotiate with labor unions. Similarly, SJCT’s requirements for volunteers (not patrons) may be more restrictive as we receive updated guidelines from Washington State Labor & Industry.”

Updated SJCT policies can be found at www.sjctheatre.org/covid-policies. For tickets to The Curious Savage, the Desolation Sound album release concert on March 12, Friday Harbor High School’s production of Footloose, and Roger McGuinn’s concert please visit www.sjctheatre.org or call the box office at 360-378-3210.