Every production should appoint a 'Covid monitor', guidance suggests

Every theatre production should appoint a "Covid monitor" who is dedicated to managing health and safety protocols, new guidance released by the Stage Management Association recommends.

According to the guidance, stage management and costume professionals do not want responsibility for safety measures surrounding Covid-19 to fall on them and it is "common ground that they will not accept it".

A Covid monitor should be appointed as early as possible so they can be involved in planning and monitoring social distancing, hygiene and other safety protocols throughout the production process.

The guidance states: "Company and stage management professionals have expressed significant concern that were they to be responsible for monitoring compliance with safe practice, they would not be able to perform either their normal duties or that monitoring effectively."

It adds: "Stage management professionals are typically seen as enablers and problem solvers with good, positive working relationships with creatives and performers. Being manoeuvred into the role of Covid monitors would permanently change those good working relationships."

Other recommendations include:

• Planning and production meetings should take place by video conferencing.
• If a performer’s work is known to a director or choreographer, that person should be considered for immediate placement on a shortlist rather than being included in the first round of auditions.
• The company should be briefed on safety protocols before the beginning of rehearsals and again at the workplace.
• It should be the rule that once a company member is present at the rehearsal venue they may not leave the workplace until no longer needed that day.
• Props and furniture should be held in quarantine for 72 hours before being introduced to the production’s environment.
• Company members should change into working clothes on arrival, which should be kept at the venue in zipped bags and washed regularly.
• Where people congregate (for example in corridors or annexes leading to stage) a two-metre grid should be marked out.
• Distancing in dressing rooms should be viewed as essential, and if a venue has limited dressing-room accommodation some shows may not be able to play there.