COVID-19 Safety Plan

1. TCP Company Communication and Training to Prevent COVID-19 Exposure

Monitoring for updated and new information

• The Operations Coordinator will monitor Ontario.ca and the Region of Waterloo Public Health website for any updates including a verification of the current local stage and any new public health recommendations or Section 22 information.
• The Operations Coordinator will maintain a current understanding of all relevant COVID-19 regulations and local by-law requirements.
• The Operations Coordinator will update the Leadership Team of any relevant updates that impact current and future operations.

TCP Company Communications

• If changes in protocol are required, it will be communicated to the TCP Company members impacted by the changes.

TCP Company Training

• TCP Company members will be trained on how to complete new activities required to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the rehearsal hall and theatre.
• TCP Company members will be told not to come to rehearsals/performances if they are sick. They will be provided with information about what to do if they develop symptoms, where the online self-assessment tool can be found, and who to contact is should they need to inform us.
• TCP Company members will be trained on the screening process that is required prior to entering the rehearsal hall/theatre.

Communication with guests

• Any notices required by public health or other government regulations are printed and posted visibly.
• The Head of Marketing will ensure the website is up to date when there are changes to how events are being operated.
• Information and requirements regarding COVID safety in the theater will be provided to guests through our online booking system when they purchase tickets.
• When audience members arrive, the usher will remind them to keep their mask on for the entire performance.

2. Company and Audience COVID-19 Screening

TCP Company Screening Process

• Upon entry to a TCP facility, TCP Company members are required to successfully complete Covid Screening (Ontario COVID-19 Screening Tool for Workplaces) Contact Tracing, and in the specified cases (cast members and production team members who must remove their masks for the purpose of the production) rapid testing. These steps will be documented and the records maintained for a minimum of 4 weeks. The Head of Wellness or a designate will audit this process at random to ensure compliance.
  • Note: Should a Company Member be unsuccessful in any of the above requirements, they will not be permitted into the facility and the Production Manager and Head of Wellness will be notified. Consultation will occur with the Region of Waterloo Public Health for required notifications and clearance for the individual to return.

Screening Audience Members

• Screening questions will be posted on the door for guests
• It is the responsibility of audience members attending to screen themselves and only enter the facility if they screen successful. Should an audience member be unsuccessful in screening, they are requested to not enter the facility and a refund for their ticket will be issued.

3. Transmission Prevention

Maintain Physical Distancing

• All tickets must be purchased in advance, through an online ticketing platform. This reduces face-to-face interactions as well as the passing of physical papers, cash or other payment methods. Audience members are encouraged to not print tickets, and instead show their electronic ticket at the time of entry to the theatre.
• Seats will be pre-assigned at the time of ticket purchase.
• The number of tickets available for purchase will be determined based on allowable audience sizes per provincial and regional regulations and signage will be posted at the entrance to the theatre indicating maximum capacity.
• Audience members will be asked to wait in their vehicles until 15 minutes prior to the curtain time, at which time they will be requested to go directly to their seats. If arriving more than 15 minutes in advance, audience members are requested to wait in their vehicles. There will be no lining up at the main door in advance of the doors opening. When doors do open, audience members who are lining up for entry will be required to maintain a minimum of 6 ft between groups.
• Seating in the theatre will be arranged to provide a minimum of 6 feet between seating groups.
• Where possible, intermissions have been omitted, however for shows that require an intermission, the intermissions will be kept to the shortest time possible to prevent congregating and gathering.
• There will be a minimum of 6 feet between the front of the stage and the first row of audience seating.
• Audience members are not permitted on the stage or in any backstage space.
• At the end of a performance, gathering and mingling will not be permitted inside the theatre or lobby, and outdoor gatherings should be minimized.

Source control masking and using personal protective equipment

• At all times, audience members and TCP Company members are required to wear a mask or face covering, that covers the mouth, nose and chin. A supply of non-medical masks will be available for any person who requires one.
• At times, due to the nature of live theatre, some TCP Company members may be required to remove their masks. These members will be required to rapid test (with a negative test result) prior to the removal of their mask, and may only remove their mask while they are on stage or in a backstage space where audience members are not present. Any time a TCP Company Member is in a space occupied by audience members, they are required to wear a mask.
• Front of house ushers who are checking tickets at the door will also be required to wear eye protection, either in the form of glasses or a face shield.

Transmission from surfaces and objects

• All commonly touched surfaces and shared areas will be cleaned at minimum at the start of the day, and in between performances, using Health Canada-approved cleaning and disinfection products.

Hand and respiratory hygiene

• Hand sanitizer stations will be available at the entrance and in high traffic areas for TCP Company members and audience members.
• Public health posters on washing hands and on cough and sneeze etiquette will be posted in each washroom.

4. Response Protocol for a Potential Case/Suspected Exposure

Procedure if someone becomes ill in the theatre

• TCP Company Members should notify the Production Manager or Head of Wellness if they start to feel COVID-19 symptoms or if they notice someone else showing symptoms. The individual should leave the theatre as soon as possible and seek advice from a doctor, Telehealth or Public Health. The Production Manager and Head of Wellness will consult with Public Health on recommendations based on the symptoms experienced. Appropriate notifications will be made based on the situation.
• Call 911 if a person is experiencing severe and potentially life-threatening symptoms, such as difficulty breathing.
• If an audience member becomes ill, they should leave the theatre as soon as possible and seek advice from a doctor, Telehealth or Public Health.

5. Management of Changes – Prevention of New Risks

In the event the COVID-19 related changes to workplace practices and requirements presents new risks for Company members or guests, we will continue to gather information regarding any additional new challenges presented by COVID-19 and associated controls, take preventative actions and continue to update this information as needed. 

6. Continuous Improvement Activities

TCP remains committed to accepting feedback from Company Members and audience members regarding the controls in place, if they are working or if there are any issues.

• All Company members will be diligent to maintain a safe environment Backstage.
• The Leadership Team, Head of Wellness, Operations Coordinator and Front of House will remain diligent in ensuring the areas accessible to the general public are compliant with COVID-19 controls, document any exceptions and take action if there are any exceptions that required resolution. All documented concerns will be submitted to the Head of Wellness for review and consideration.
• Guests will be invited to provide feedback via a survey in their online programme.