News: Hippodrome Theatre in Baltimore Announces Vaccine and Updated Mask Requirements

The Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center in Baltimore announced Thursday that all guests eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine must provide proof of vaccination status, according to their updated policy website.

Children age 11 and under do not need to provide a negative test, but all attendees must wear a mask that covers both their mouth and nose and secures under their chin, regardless of vaccination status, unless they are actively eating or drinking in designated areas. The theater defines acceptable masks as “single-use disposable masks and cloth masks with at least two layers of tightly woven breathable fabric,” and will not accept gaiters, scarves, or bandanas. No food or drink may be consumed in the auditorium while the mask policy is in place.

Guests 12 and over that cannot be vaccinated due to health issues or religious beliefs must provide proof of negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to the performance or a negative antigen test taken within 24 hours prior to the performance.

The theater announced that the vaccine policy goes into effect Sept. 2, 2021, and is currently set to run through Dec. 31, 2021, although policies will be evaluated and regularly updated as more health data becomes available.

“The health and safety of everyone who enters our historic theatre is of the utmost importance and concern,” said Ron Legler, president of the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center. “As we continue to monitor current state and national data, we want to do as much as possible to aid in reducing the risk and spread of COVID-19.”

According to CBS, all Hippodrome ticket holders must abide by the following policies to attend an event:

• A guest is considered fully vaccinated, with a FDA or WHO authorized vaccine, meaning their last dose must have been administered at least 14 days before attending the event.

• The vaccinated guest must show proof of a COVID-19 vaccination with a physical vaccination card, or a photograph of the card, or a digital vaccination record stored on a phone or electronic device. Proof must include the name of the person vaccinated, type of vaccine and date of the last dose administered.

• Children 11 and younger will not need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test.

• All guests must wear a face mask that securely covers their nose and mouth.

• A matching photo ID is required with a valid ticket for the event. Guests younger than age 18 without ID must be accompanied by an adult with proper identification.

• Guests 12 and over who cannot be vaccinated due to a medical condition or sincerely held religious belief must show a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to the performance or a negative COVID-19 antigen test taken within 24 hours prior to the performance.

• Self-reported vaccination or negative test records not verified by a third party health care provider are not acceptable.

• Unless otherwise noted, children under two, including babies in arms, are not allowed in the theatre.

In addition to mask and vaccine requirement, the Hippodrome has implemented new safety features, including enhanced cleaning, contactless entry and payment, hand sanitizing stations, and upgraded air filtration systems.

Any updated policies will be announced to ticket holders prior to the performance. For full details, visit BaltimoreHippodrome.com.

Sources: The Hippodrome, CBS, BroadwayWorld

Feature Photo Credit: Hippodrome Theatre website