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How performing art theaters are surviving/bouncing back in a COVID-19 world?
Art is the only lifeline that is keeping us sane in this COVID-19 pandemic. If we talk about the pre-coronavirus world, performing art theaters were blooming with smiles, laughs, and claps. Now, the entire scenario has changed.
However, the tough times are not here to last. While some theaters have made plans to bounce back after the restrictions have lifted, some performing art theaters have started virtual screenings to keep their audience entertained and engaged and this is just the tip of the iceberg.
Here’s how performing art theaters will survive and bounce back in a COVID-19 world:
#1. Operating at limited capacity
If we talk about theaters in general, most of them are planning to open their establishments at a limited capacity. Here is how they are planning to implement this- first, they’ll offer only 30% of the seats for sale, which after a period would be increased to 40-50%. However, they’ll not cross the 50% mark until the entire COVID-19 situation has calmed down significantly.
Operating at limited capacity would make things safer for both the audience and the employees. This is because social distancing norms would become easier to follow hence, reducing the chances of transmission drastically.
#2. Disinfecting auditoriums after every show
The one common thread that would run through every performing arts theater would be to disinfect auditoriums after every show. The audience needs assurance that when they visit theaters, they are in a safe place and the best way to do so is through regular disinfection of seats, floors, and of anything which comes in human contact.
#3. Setting up sanitization booths and electrostatic sprayers
The presence of sanitization booths and electrostatic sprayers can provide reassurance to everyone that the theatre is well-prepared to function amid the pandemic. Sanitization booths can be set-up at the entrances of the theater and the entrance of each auditorium.
Electrostatic sprayers can also enhance a theater’s level of preparation as these would ensure round-the-clock sanitization of the facility.
#4. Screening diverse films and acts
By screening diverse films and acts, theaters would become the beacon of entertainment for people coming from all walks of life. The lockdown, along with the restrictions, has made people feel cooped up in their houses. When the theaters would finally open their doors for business, there would be a sigh of relief from the audience as they would finally get to enjoy themselves by watching their favorite films and acts.
#5. Online booking of tickets & food
Most of the theaters would take their ticket-booking system online. This would ensure that there is zero contact between the employees and the audience. Apart from the online booking of tickets, some theaters are also planning to launch contactless ticketing.
Food will now have to be booked while reserving your tickets. Thus, there will be no long queues at the food court and no refills of drinks. This measure would further help the cause of limiting human contact.
#6. Getting the audience hooked on virtual screenings
Amid this global pandemic, many theaters have resorted to the option of virtual screening, and why not? Theaters have found a viable way to keep themselves functioning as well as keeping their audience engaged and entertained. Several famous theaters are running virtual screenings of renowned films and acts. So, if you are tired of binge-watching Netflix, you can opt for these virtual screenings to replenish your mind!
By following all these precautions and generating creative ways of screening performances, this is how performing art theaters can survive and bounce back in a COVID-19 world!
Umar Nisar was born and raised in the busy city of Abbottabad. As a journalist, Umar Nisar has contributed to many online publications including PAK Today and the Huffing Post. In regards to academics, Umar Nisar earned a degree in business from the Abbottabad UST, Havelian. Umar Nisar follows the money and covers all aspects of emerging tech here at The Hear Up.
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