What is Heartland doing to provide a safe experience?
Our promise to you is that “nothing is more important to us than your health and well-being” and that we will not open until it is safe to do so. We have these safety protocols in place, in compliance with the CDC, and the McLean County Health Department:
- We are requiring all audience members to be masked, whether vaccinated or not, for the safety of all.
- Our actors wear clear masks when the McLean County risk level is medium-high level and no masks when the risk level is low. Actors are tested each week of performance.
- Our ushers and box office volunteers are vaccinated and masked.
- We encourage “self-social distancing” between groups seated in the theatre to spread out, if space allows.
- We have the CDC-recommended MERV 13 filter for viruses installed in our HVAC system.
- We are not serving our famous “store bought” cookies, but we offer “grab & donate & go” Five Star bottled water.
- Sanitization stations are placed in the lobby and hallway for patrons.
How long will these protocols be in place?
We recognize that this is an ever-changing situation that may require further adjustments. We revisit these safety protocols weekly and revise accordingly. Keep checking here on Heartland’s website for the most recent information as we move through our seasons and this pandemic: www.heartlandtheatre.org.
Be assured that your safety, along with the safety of our actors and staff, is paramount. With each show, protocols for the current phase, according to CDC and County Guidelines will be in place. Best practices to reduce the transmission of the virus will be followed.
How did Heartland determine safety protocols for re-opening?
In 2020, the Board of Directors created three committees to research and stay on top of health and safety guidelines by the CDC, McLean County Department of Health, the State of Illinois and the Town of Normal. The committees were responsible for Patron/Volunteer Safety, Actor/Staff Safety and Financial Sustainability. A Disaster Preparedness Document was created and updated when guidelines changed. This information and recommendations from these committees, with Board approval, became Heartland’s Covid-19 Safety Policy.
– The Board of Directors of Heartland Theatre Company
Updated February, 2023