Coronavirus: Limit stage-door appearances and prohibit backstage guests to avoid spread, theatres advised

Theatres are being encouraged to stop guests going backstage and limit cast members’ contact with audiences at stage doors in attempts to limit the spread of coronavirus.

In guidance sent to members of the Society of London Theatre and UK Theatre, which make up the majority of major theatres across the country, individual venues are being advised to introduce special measures for performers and other staff.

The document, which is intended to be posted on company notice boards and front of house, states that performers are discouraged from engaging in physical contact at stage doors, when actors often interact with fans at the end of a show.

Any autographs should be signed with individuals’ own pens, and theatres should implement a policy that means no guests be taken backstage, it states.

The Stage also understands deep cleaning is taking place regularly across venues, and SOLT is advising any staff who feel ill to stay at home, isolate and seek NHS advice.

Some venues have already spoken about their efforts to intensify hygiene measures for audiences and visitors to their buildings, including the installation of hand sanitiser dispensers in public areas and more rigorous cleaning regimes.

Coronavirus: Theatres begin to feel impact as actors lose work and shows are postponed

At present, there is no advice for members of the public to avoid large gatherings of people such as theatre performances.

SOLT and UK Theatre said it is sending regular email updates to the industry and is organising a series of briefings in the coming days including an open session for SOLT members to brief on London-specific advice, a meeting with UK-wide operators and producers and meetings with unions and theatrical charities.

In an email to members seen by The Stage, SOLT and UK Theatre stressed that there is no “clear rationale” for cancelling events unless a specific situation occurs.

The two bodies said they are in daily contact with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to ensure the latest advice is received, as well as raise industry-specific concerns.