Safety Information  

AUDITIONS

We are limiting audition groups to a maximum size of 10 actors per timeslot. Families will be asked to fill out an online audition form after receiving an audition appointment. This will help decrease the number of person-to-person interactions at auditions. All auditions and callbacks will take place in our largest space, the Mainstage Theater. All auditionees & Stages staff (and all people that enter the building) will be required to wear a face mask. We request that parents/guardians drop off their actor for their audition outside of the main entrance to the HCA if possible, to limit the number of people in the building (parents/guardians will be allowed inside the lobby if requested).

CASTING

This production will be double cast. That means that there will be two full, separate casts (the “Joe Cool” cast and the “Flying Ace” cast) that will both perform an equal number of performances. All cast members must be available for all performances (no conflicts), because even if they are not scheduled to perform on a certain day, they are the other cast’s understudies. We will provide clear guidance to all cast members regarding our Understudy Plan, in light of potential COVID-19 symptoms, cases, exposures; other illnesses; and injury.

CALLBACKS

Callbacks will be held on a single day following auditions. All actors will be given a socially distanced place to sit in the Mainstage theater while waiting to take the stage. Only 10 actors will be allowed on the stage at a time. Masks will be worn at all times. We request that parents/guardians drop off their actor for their audition outside of the main entrance to the HCA if possible, to limit the number of people in the building (parents/guardians will be allowed inside the lobby if requested).

REHEARSALS at the HCA

The majority of rehearsals will take place in person at the HCA, utilizing our largest spaces (the Mainstage and the Studio). Masks will not be removed during rehearsals, including during singing and dancing portions. The only exception is for water breaks, during which additional distancing will be enforced. In the rehearsal spaces, each cast member will have an assigned seat where they can sit, rest, and place their belongings when they are not actively rehearsing. Social distancing will be strictly enforced, with some modifications for staging purposes as needed.

Prior to the first rehearsal, cast members and their families will be required to sign a consent & release form, which will include acknowledgment of the risks associated with COVID-19, etc. Families will also be required to sign a pledge stating their actor will not attend a rehearsals/performance if their actor exhibits COVID-19 symptoms, tests positive for COVID-19, or is identified as a close contact of someone who tests positive of COVID-19.

REHEARSALS at DOWNTOWN PARK

During rehearsals outside at Hopkins’ Downtown Park, social distancing will be strictly enforced, with some modifications for staging purposes as needed. Masks will be worn at all times by actors, crew, and staff. All actors will be encouraged to bring filled, refillable water bottles to every rehearsal. Stages will also have ample cold water on site. Downtown Park has many shady areas, which we will utilize during breaks and downtime. 

PERFORMANCES

During performances at Downtown Park, social distancing will be strictly enforced, with some modifications for staging purposes as needed. At this time, we plan for actors to perform with masks. All crew and staff will also be masked during shows. Actors will remain separate from the audience, with at least a 12-foot distance between the stage and audience areas. All actors will be encouraged to bring filled, refillable water bottles to every performance. Stages will also have ample cold water on site. Downtown Park has many shady areas, which we will utilize during the breaks between back-to-back shows.