Last month the Broadway Theatre League announced that the theatres of Broadway and Off-Broadway would be opening to audiences. At the time, the exact Covid protocols were not known, but as the numbers of positive cases climb once again, the rules will require masks and vaccinations for everyone in the building.

Earlier it was announced that all cast and crew members would have to be vaccinated prior to the beginning of rehearsals.

Those rules are now being extended to the audience.

Exemptions will be allowed for anyone under the age of 12 or people who have a medical condition that prevents them from getting the vaccine. Persons who receive an exemption, will have to prove they have tested negative for the virus within 72 hours of the performance.

The current protocols are in place through October. Policies for shows in November, December, and beyond will be announced at a later date.

Broadway League president Charlotte St. Maritn spoke on the ruling saying, “a uniform policy across all New York City Broadway theatres makes it simple for our audiences and should give even more confidence to our guests about how seriously Broadway is taking audience safety.”

Currently Bruce Springsteen’s show “Springsteen on Broadway” is the only show running and it has a vaccination requirement already in place; as does “Pass Over” which is set to open next week.