Performing Arts Guidelines

• All requirements of the public health order must be observed.
• Participating individuals must self-monitor for illness and stay home when sick. Those who become unwell with symptoms related to COVID-19 must immediately return home and call HealthLine 811.
• One-on-one lessons must follow the relevant guidelines in this document as they relate to the specific activity (i.e. private vocal, instrumental, theatre, dance lessons).
• Performing arts groups are subject to the gathering restrictions in the current public health order. A choir, orchestra, dance troupe, etc. that exceeds the gathering limit must be divided into smaller groupings. The total number must include all participants, such as teachers, directors, conductors and members of the production crew. Members within each grouping must remain consistent.
• Unless otherwise indicated in these guidelines, physical distancing of two metres must be maintained between individuals. Visual cues for distancing, directional flow of movement through areas, and cordons or other barriers are recommended in common areas.
• Frequent and effective hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette must be practised and promoted.
• Designate one or more people to be responsible for ensuring compliance with these guidelines.
• At-risk populations, such as seniors and people with underlying health conditions, should avoid activities that increase the risk of exposure to the COVID-19 virus.
• Whenever possible, performing arts activities should be moved outdoors due to the lower risk of spreading the virus.

Caution: multiple confirmed and suspected outbreaks of the COVID-19 virus have been linked to choirs.

• Choirs are not permitted to hold public performances at this time.
• Choir rehearsals or practices are not recommended at this time due to the known, increased risk of spreading COVID-19. However, if choir organizers and participants choose to practice or rehearse, all participants must wear a non-medical or procedure mask and maintain at least two metres of separation from other participants. If a mask is not worn, there must be four metres of separation from other participants.
• Choir participants must face forward.
• Appropriate eye protection or a face shield is recommended for conductors or other participants facing the choir.
• The conductor should maintain a minimum distance of four metres from singers.

Air blown into woodwind instruments follows a relatively short and direct path through the instrument. As such, respiratory droplets can be ejected from the instrument. Brass instruments require blown air to follow a more convoluted path, which reduces the risk of ejecting droplets. However, moisture accumulates in the instrument and can be manually ejected through the water key or spit valve, which can create droplets.

• Musicians, regardless of the type of instrument, must remain two metres from each other. For woodwind and brass instruments, this distance should be measured from the end of the instrument.
• Instruments, drum sticks/mallets, music stands and other items must not be shared between participants, unless cleaned and disinfected between uses. Items that can't be disinfected (e.g. sheet music) must not be shared.
• Instruments should be cleaned and maintained at home or off site. A designated area can be established where onsite cleaning or maintenance is absolutely necessary; however, the area must be used individually and cleaned/disinfected after each use.
• While 70 per cent isopropyl alcohol can often be used for disinfecting instruments, musicians should consult manufacturers or other professionals to ensure they aren't damaged.
• The conductor should maintain a minimum distance of four metres from performers.

• Requirements apply to all 'front of house' and 'back of house' operations.
• Performers should maintain two metres of separation, where possible, while performing during rehearsals and performances.
• Performances that require close contact between individuals should be adapted or avoided, where possible. Adjust performances or select performance options with limited participants, such as solos, spoken word, etc.
• Carefully manage the use of dressing rooms, makeup areas, etc. to ensure proper distancing.
• Makeup should not be shared at this time.
• Shared items, such as costumes and props, should be avoided where possible. Shared items must be laundered or cleaned and disinfected after each performance.
• Masks, microphones or other items likely to be exposed to respiratory droplets must not be shared.
• Where possible, auditions and rehearsals should be conducted remotely using video conferencing systems.

• Dancers and instructors should maintain two metres of separation from each other, where possible.
• Consider remote rehearsals/practices using video conferencing systems.
• Areas for dancers should be marked, and dancers should be instructed to remain within their designated areas.
• Dance styles, forms and moves that require direct physical contact must be avoided at this time.
• Props and other items must not be shared between dancers, and they must be cleaned and disinfected between uses.
• Dancers should be encouraged to arrive and depart in their dance clothing to minimize crowding in change areas.