Performing Arts Guidelines

• All requirements of the public health order(s) 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, choirs, orchestras, dance troupes, etc. are limited to a capacity of 30 persons (not including all participants, such as teachers, directors, conductors and members of the production crew).
• 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.
• All participants in performing arts must wear a mask per the requirements in the public health order.

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

• Choirs should be broken into smaller vocal ensembles wherever possible. However, they must not exceed 30 people.
• Choirs are permitted to hold public performances provided performers are separated from patrons by four metres.
• Audiences should be advised to avoid singing along with the choir.
• Choir organizers and participants must wear a non-medical or procedure mask and maintain at least three metres of separation from other participants.
• Singers must be positioned in a staggered manner to avoid standing front-to-back or face-to-face.
• The conductor must wear a non-medical or procedure mask and maintain at least three metres of separation from other participants.
• A lead singer/solo performer must wear a non-medical or procedure mask and maintain at least three metres of separation from other participants.

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.

• Live music – including singing – should be separated from patrons by a distance of four metres.
• All musicians must wear a non-medical mask at all times during the performance, except for musicians playing a woodwind, brass or other instrument operated by breath, but only if they can maintain a distance of three metres from others while playing.
• Everyone else in the band/orchestra that is not a woodwind or brass must be two metres apart.
• People in the band/orchestra must be four metres from the patrons.
• Slit masks, or masks with holes intended for an instrument mouthpiece, are not permitted.
• Instrument bell covers made of a tightly woven fabric with at least two layers are recommended.
• 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, laminated to allow for disinfection, or held for 24 hours before sharing. Hand hygiene must be completed prior to handling common items.
• Instruments should be cleaned and maintained at home or off site.
• A designated area must be established where onsite cleaning or maintenance is necessary. This area must be used individually and cleaned/disinfected frequently. Liquid expelled from water keys must be captured on an absorbent, disposable material.
• 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.

• Requirements apply to all 'front of house' and 'back of house' operations.
• Performers must wear masks and must maintain two metres of separation while performing during rehearsals and performances.
• When performances involve singing or projecting voice, performers must be separated from patrons and other performers by a distance of four metres.
• Performances that require close contact between individuals must be 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.

• All group dance competitions and recitals are suspended for all age groups.
• Dancers 18 years of age and under may continue conditioning and skills training in groups of eight or fewer, abiding by the required mask use and at least three metres of physical distancing between participants at all times.
  • Larger indoor areas may be used by more than one group (of up to eight persons) if a physical barrier that restricts group interaction is present and the distance between and within groups can be maintained at three metres. The physical barriers must be more substantial than pylons, tape, ropes, etc. to restrict air exchange between areas.
  • Trainers and instructors are not included in the training group numbers as long as they are masked and maintain a minimum physical distance of three metres.
• 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.

General

• Venues are permitted to have 30 individuals (not including event staff, volunteers) for performances where assigned seating is in place and two metres of distancing is managed and maintained. A checklist submission is required for all public entertainment and performance events (see COVID-19 Large Public Venue Event Preparedness Checklist).
• A COVID-19 checklist is to be completed by event organizers for events that will welcome up to 30 people.
• Any business, community group or other organization hosting an event must designate one or more people to be responsible for ensuring compliance with these and any other applicable guidelines.
• Attendees must be made aware of the name and contact number of the person(s) responsible for the event.
• Attendees must be notified upon entry of the necessary measures to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission within the event area. Signage should be posted in visible locations at entrances and throughout the event areas.
• The organizer shall establish a response plan should a patron or staff/volunteer become ill and display COVID-19 symptoms while at the venue. The plan shall be made available for review upon request by local public health officials.
• Where possible, the organizer should provide attendees with the option to attend events virtually using online/social media platforms and consider supporting vulnerable populations with dedicated showings or performances.
• Online admission ticketing should be used, where possible.
• Cashless or no-contact payment should be used as much as possible, with physical distancing being observed at all times.
• Limit the duration of the event. Organizers should provide attendees with a suitable timeframe for arrival to the event to ensure crowds/line-ups are minimized. Attendees should leave immediately following the event/gathering to discourage gathering in common areas.
• Seating areas are subject to the following:
  • Physical distancing is required between individuals with the exception of household groups.
  • In stadium or bleacher-type seating areas, leave rows empty and provide signage where necessary.
  • Use assigned seating.
• Where food and beverage is offered, the Restaurants and Licensed Establishments Guidelines must be followed. Where any of these facilities offer food or beverage service, they must keep the activity separate (i.e. cordoned off) from the food and beverage service. No food or drink may be in the activity area.

Contact Tracing

• Responsible persons are strongly encouraged to collect attendee names and contact information, such as a phone number and/or email address. Where possible, this information should be collected prior to the event to prevent line-ups. Information will be requested by the Saskatchewan Health Authority only for the purposes of contact tracing if a COVID-19 exposure is linked to the event.
• Attendee records should be retained for at least 30 days after the event.
• Downloading and using the COVID Alert tracing app is recommended.

Crowd Management

• Responsible persons for the event must:
  • Manage crowds in common areas, especially during breaks in ceremonies, entertainment, etc.
  • Manage crowds as they exit an event area so physical distancing can be maintained. This may be done through visual markings and calling areas/sections to limit the numbers of persons exiting at a time.
  • Limit the duration of an event and/or limit participants.
  • As an additional safety measure, install barriers (e.g. Plexiglas window at a booth/kiosk/cubicle higher than head-height).
• Where possible, event access areas should also be controlled (e.g. parking areas, erect barriers, set maximum occupancy, signage).
• Avoid activities that do not allow physical distancing, such as party games or crowding together for photographs.
• Ensure processions have adequate space to move while maintaining physical distancing.

Food and Beverage Service

• Food services that are licensed under The Food Safety Regulations (i.e. restaurants, mobile food vendors) are subject to the requirements contained in the Restaurants and Licensed Establishments Guidelines.
• Where any of these facilities offer food or beverage service, they must keep the activity separate (i.e. cordoned off) from the food and beverage service. No food or drink may be in the activity area.
• For all other food service, see the Temporary Food Vendor Guidelines.
• For events that are not considered a temporary food event, but still intend to provide food and beverages:
  • No buffet style or self-service foods or beverages permitted.
  • Single portions and pre-packaged foods may be provided.
  • Common touch items are not permitted. This includes self-serve beverages (including mix and ice), napkins, utensils and condiments. The exceptions are single-use items that are wrapped (e.g. ketchup, mustard).
  • Provide single-serve refreshments only.
  • Close drinking fountains. Water bottle filling stations are acceptable if appropriately and frequently sanitized.