In order to ensure the safety of our audience and staff members, the following policies are in place for live performances. If you have any questions or concerns, please email [email protected].
IMPORTANT INFO ABOUT OUR MASKING POLICY: Our mask policy is based on the community spread within Lawrence Country. If community spread is high, a mask requirement will be in effect. However, if community spread is low, moderate, or substantial, our masking policy will be optional. We will continue to monitor the South Dakota COVID-19 Dashboard managed by the Department of Health and update our mask policy for this specific event closer to the date. Thank you for your understanding. The SD COVID-19 Dashboard can be viewed HERE.
Updated August 31, 2021
Theater
- Theater capacity will remain at 100% (283 persons) unless cases worsen, in which case seating will be reduced to 62% (175 persons).
- Guests will be required to wear face masks at all times while in the auditoriums regardless of vaccination status. Masks can be removed inside the auditorium only while eating and drinking.
- If staff feels the need to reduce capacity, our reservation system will have reduced seating so that we may add more space between seats.
- If capacity is reduced after a show has already gone on sale, Matthews staff reserves the right to move patrons to different seats than originally reserved in order to add more space between groups.
- Ushers will be located in the lobby to assist guests.
- Theater will be cleaned and disinfected between all performances.
Theater Lobby
- Guests will be required to wear face masks at all times while in the lobby, hallways and restrooms.
- Ushers will be located in the lobby to assist guests.
- Guests will be encouraged to proceed to the theater as soon as possible, and exit the theater in a timely manner at the conclusion of the performance to avoid large crowds in the lobby.
- Sanitizer dispensers will be available on either side of the main entrance.
- Drinking fountains are not available for use.
- Lobby will be cleaned and disinfected between all performances.
Guest Wellness
- We kindly ask that any guest who has a fever or is experiencing any Covid-19 like symptoms refrain from coming to our venue.
- If a guest has knowingly been in contact with any individuals that have been diagnosed with COVID-19, we ask that you self quarantine and avoid the theatre until you are symptom free for two weeks.
- If a guest has purchased tickets and has experienced any symptoms related to COVID-19, you may request a refund with proof of a positive test.
For the safety of our guests, artists, and the community at large, the Matthews Opera House may in the future require proof of vaccination for all patrons attending events in the theater.
