Masks In The Theater

We all know that masks can be annoying and uncomfortable.  Then, why are we still asking you to wear them in our theater?

When you come to Central Works, the first thing you notice is the unique and exceptional intimacy of our theater: 50 seats surrounding an acting area where the performers are very often within touching distance of the audience.  Six feet is not an option.  Often, there’s less than 6 inches!

If an actor falls ill, the production must stop.  As a non-profit organization with a limited budget, understudies aren’t an option for us.  The California Department of Public Health recommends masking indoors in crowded areas to slow the spread of Covid-19, Flu and RSV.  Since the actors must go unmasked, we need your help to keep them healthy.  At the same time, your mask protects those around you, just as those nearby are protecting you.

Theater is a communal experience.  We’re asking for your help to keep our community safe, healthy and prospering.  We’re truly grateful for your consideration and cooperation!

 

Masks are provided for anyone who needs them.

 

Covid-19 & Infectious Disease Policy

Central Works is committed to the health, safety, and comfort of our artists, staff, and patrons. We realize and acknowledge those who have a lack of confidence in vaccination due to our nation’s history of racialized medical abuse, and we understand that some of our patrons may experience barriers accessing healthcare. We do encourage everyone be vaccinated and boosted, as the FDA-approved vaccines for COVID-19, flu and RSV have proved their safety and efficacy so far.

Should any performance be cancelled due to health considerations, patrons will be offered a full ticket refund or exchange.

Social distancing inside our intimate theater space and lobby is not possible. Audiences attend performances at their own risk; Central Works assumes no responsibility for the possibility of COVID-19 or other infectious disease transmission at our theater.

Central Works complies with all City of Berkeley, County, State, and Federal Covid-19 health orders and guidelines. We are enhancing safety with the following measures:

• All Central Works company and staff must be up-to-date in their vaccination status against COVID-19. Cast members test at least once weekly for Covid-19 when masked, and at least twice when unmasked.
• We strongly recommend that patrons be up-to date on all vaccine and booster shots.
• A strict mask mandate is in place both for audience members and staff, other than the actors while they are performing. Masks must fully cover the nose and mouth during the performance. We are happy to provide a mask if you do not have one. We recommend N-95 or KN-95 masks for optimum safety.
• Staff and audience members who are displaying any symptoms of illness, who have tested positive for COVID-19, or who have been exposed to someone who has tested positive, must stay home.

These policies are subject to change.

Other safety measures include:

• The continuous use of three air purifiers inside the theater. These powerful units are equipped with HEPA filters which trap allergens and particles 0.3 microns in size at 99.97% efficiency and particles less than 0.1 microns in size at higher than 99% efficiency. They are certified asthma & allergy friendly® by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA).
• Minimal-contact methods of payment and ticket handling at the Box Office.
• The Berkeley City Club’s safety measures may be accessed here.