Leading representatives of the art scene in the greater Columbus area expressed relief about the exemption for artists.
“I’m thrilled,” said Chad Whittington, President and CEO of Columbus Association for the Performing Arts, which owns and operates the Ohio, Southern, Lincoln, and other theaters. “I appreciate the willingness of the city to listen and understand why this is so important to us. … We have many protocols to keep people safe and we will continue to work on them, but we really needed (the exception). “
Whittington, who was in contact with city officials Thursday to clarify CAPA’s position, feared upcoming shows would be canceled if masks were required for the performers.
Columbus mask requirement: The Mayor of Columbus, Andrew J. Ginther, signs the order for masks in public buildings
“If you think of going to a restaurant and having a good experience and taking off your mask, it would be similar in the theater: For the shows that were taking place, (masked actors) would certainly have an effect.” About the experience “, he said.
Shadow box live, which reports that all but one staff and performers have been fully vaccinated, welcomed the new city policy that allows actors, singers and dancers to appear unmasked.
“We’re incredibly grateful and relieved,” said Katy Psenicka, chief operations officer of the local ensemble troupe that puts on original sketch comedy and music shows and company-made musicals in the Brewery District.
“It’s really huge for us because the sound quality is different with masks … It would have been time-consuming for us to remix every singer in every song in our two shows,” said Psenicka.
[email protected], [email protected]
