Covid-19 Policy

At this time, Arizona has lifted restrictions on groups greater than 50, and we are cleared for in-person rehearsals and performances.

The health and safety of FlagShakes’ artists, technicians, staff, and patrons is of utmost importance, and as new information about Covid-19 develops, we will determine if in-person rehearsals and performances can proceed as scheduled, or if alternative methods need to be made to ensure everyone’s safety.

The following are the triggers and actions that we currently have in place. As there may be triggers or actions that have not yet been discovered or determined, this is subject to change and a new addendum will be sent.

Plan A

Arizona restricts social gatherings to groups of 50 or less AND/OR the venue allows an in-person audience.

  •     Action – Continue with the current season plan where the production is both produced for an in-person audience and is also filmed for digital release. Actors will mask for indoor rehearsals and will not be masked during the in-person, live production. Actors will not be masked for outdoor rehearsals and performances.

Plan B

Trigger – Arizona places restrictions on gatherings over 10 AND/OR the venue does not allow an in-person audience.

  • Action – Continue rehearsals (in groups no larger than 10) and the production is either filmed for digital release and/or the production is live streamed. Actors will mask for indoor rehearsals and will not be masked during the in-person, live production. Actors will not be masked for outdoor rehearsals and performances.

Plan C

Trigger – Arizona reinstates a stay-at-home order.

  • Action – Directors and actors work to creatively stage the play virtually for digital release.

Other Triggers

Trigger – A FlagShakes company member, or rehearsal/performance venue staff member staff member who has been in contact with one or more members of the company within the past 10 days, tests positive for Covid-19.

  • Action – Company members will not attend in-person rehearsal or performances until they have two negative test results – one of those tests must have been taken at least 6 days after the expected date of exposure. Depending on the timeline, move to the “action” items listed in Plan B or Plan C.

Trigger – A FlagShakes company member, or rehearsal/performance venue staff member staff member who has been in contact with one or more members of the company within the past 14 days, has been in contact with someone within the past 14 days who has tested positive for Covid-19.

  • Action – The exposed company member will not attend in-person rehearsal or performances until either they have two negative test results – one of those tests must have been taken at least 6 days after the expected date of exposure – or the expected date of exposure occurred over 14 days prior.

Contracted Actors Currently in States with Stay-At-Home Orders in Place

If the state that you are currently living in and/or Arizona continues to have their stay-at-home order in place during the time that you would likely be traveling to Arizona, there is the possibility that we may not be able to honor your contract as it would be unsafe for you to travel.

While on contract with FlagShakes:

The following are requirements we currently have in place for all company members (vaccinated or not). As there may be requirements that have not yet been discovered or determined, this is subject to change and a new addendum will be sent.

Requirements for ALL
(using the honor system – please do your absolute best to adhere to these)

 General

  • Social distancing from all non-household/bubble persons who are not also in the production, EXCEPT for essential activities during the rehearsal and performance period.
    • Determined and amended according to CDC and Equity rules.
  • Strictly adhering to CDC guidance, including but not limited to frequent hand washing, social distancing, wearing a face covering, covering coughs and sneezes, monitoring symptoms, and cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched surfaces.
  • Mask wearing (covering nose and mouth) anytime you leave your place of residence while on contract when social distancing is not possible outdoors, and while inside a building that is not your residence or the filming venue.
  • Refrain from attending events, parties, etc… where social distancing or CDC guidelines can not be met or maintained.
  • Self-monitoring for symptoms of Covid-19 and practice enhanced hygiene.
  • Strongly encouraged to get a flu shot and Covid 19 vaccine  prior to the start of the contract.
  • Covid-19 testing at least once a week. You are expected to undergo a Covid-19 test every Friday while under contract, and this will be on your own time outside of rehearsal/performance hours. The city of Flagstaff has two locations that provide free Covid-19 testing, however you may use any approved testing site you prefer. It is your responsibility to coordinate your testing on Fridays.
  • When you first arrive in Flagstaff, and if you leave town during the contract, you must take a Covid-19 test within 24 hours of when you arrive (back) in Flagstaff.
  • While on contract, no out of state traveling without approval from FlagShakes Administration.

 

Rehearsals

  • Temperature checks and answering a brief symptoms questionnaire before entering the rehearsal/performance space. Any company member with a temperature of 100.4 or higher or who is experiencing Covid-19 symptoms will be asked to leave and should self-quarantine and contact a doctor.
  • Immediate hand washing upon entering the rehearsal and performance building.
  • When possible, in-person rehearsals will be conducted outdoors. Limitations that could prevent outdoor rehearsals include, but are not limited to, inclement weather (rain, snow, cold, etc..), and lack of sufficient sunlight.
  • During indoor rehearsals, company members not currently working may be asked to wait in the venue lobby, in a separate room at the venue to limit the number of people in the rehearsal space.
  • Refrigerators and water fountains may not be available for use. Please bring your own water from home and make plans for your individual food needs.
  • Rehearsals will have all personnel masked.
  • FlagShakes will provide hand sanitizer, though we encourage you all to bring our own in order to reduce contact with high touch surfaces.
  • Props and costumes may only be touched by the actors who use/wear them, by the props and/or costume designer, and by production/stage management. All props/costumes must be sanitized at the end of the rehearsal/performance by the actor who uses the prop/costume.
  • Company members will assist in keeping the rehearsal space sanitary. This includes, but is not limited to, being mindful of surfaces they touch and where they place their belongings, sanitizing props, costumes, or chairs used (where belongings are kept while waiting offstage or in rehearsals). Sanitizing wipes will be provided on the props table for this.
  • Food and beverages should be consumed away from the rehearsal/performance area unless included in the blocking of the show. Water during rehearsals is permitted- step away from the group and sanitize your hands before and after touching your mask.

 

Performances

  • CCA – All unmasked personnel will take a rapid test on the day/night of the performance and remain masked until results.
  • Performers will remain in the green room/dressing room at all times when they are not on stage or waiting in the wings.
  • Contact with audience members before/after the performance will be limited. Performers will wear face masks and adhere to social distancing when possible.
  • Actors will sanitize all props/costumes used during the performance before leaving for the day. This includes between shows on two-show days.

 

Requirements for OUT-OF-TOWN ARTISTS

  • A negative Covid-19 test result 72 hours before arriving at your host home.
  • Refrain from attending events, parties, etc… where social distancing or CDC guidelines can not be met or maintained.
  • Cleaning, following a checklist provided by FlagShakes, prior to departing your host home.
  • Any additional in-house rules at the host’s request. This may include but is not limited to: masks in the common areas in the house for the first week, additional cleaning procedures, etc. The Housing Manager will communicate these requests from your host prior to your arrival.
  • If you test positive for Covid-19 and would require a quarantine that extends past the final day of your housing (usually one day after the contract ends), you may be responsible for finding housing and for the cost associated with it. FlagShakes will do their best to extend your stay at your host’s home and/or find you accomodations, but this might not be feasible.

 

Requirements for DIRECTORS

  • Avoidance of intimacy or violence that requires face touching, unless absolutely necessary.
  • Indoor rehearsals will have all personnel masked until tech week, in which only actors may be unmasked when necessary.
  • Outdoor rehearsals may have actors unmasked if social distancing can be followed.

 

Requirements for STAGE MANAGERS

  • Disinfect all high traffic areas prior to rehearsal – bathroom, dressing room, etc.
  • Disinfect props and high touch surfaces with the help of the actors who use them. Sanitizing wipes will be provided on the props table for this.

Company members agree to follow company policies and procedures in regards to Covid-19 exposure prevention measures.

FlagShakes understands that life happens, and sometimes circumstances arise that are unavoidable. If a company member is unable to fulfill one or more of the agreements above, they pledge to speak honestly with FlagShakes’ Executive Director and Production Manager in order to work together to devise a plan to become compliant for the overall safety of the shared work environment.