When the Red Hot Chilli Pipers headline The Grand on Friday, guests can leave their masks at home, along with their proof of vaccination, and a negative PCR test, the historic theater announced late Wednesday afternoon.
This decision to suspend COVID-19 restrictions indefinitely is in line with new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance recently released.
While patrons aren’t required to wear masks at Copeland Hall, The Playhouse on Rodney Square or the baby grand, the CDC still recommends folks wear them in congregate areas such as theaters and concert halls.
“Although we have removed the requirement, patrons are strongly encouraged to continue to wear masks for their own comfort and peace of mind. We are thankful to all of our patrons who adhered to these policies over the last six months,” executive director Mark Fields said in a statement.
“Your support and patronage throughout this time has kept the arts alive in our theaters and throughout Wilmington’s Market Street arts corridor,” he added. “We have consistently maintained that we would lift these temporary requirements when health authorities assessed it was safe to do so.”
Flower power:Longwood Gardens reopens Orchid House
The Grand draws a large and diverse patron base from a wide geographic region with differing levels of COVID-19 risk as assessed by the CDC.
Therefore, caution concerning the safety and comfort of its artists, audiences, volunteers and staff is encouraged as Delaware moves to the next phase of this public health challenge, according to a statement from The Grand.
“We remain steadfast in providing a safe and comfortable experience for all to enjoy and appreciate live performance, music and dance,” managing director Pamelyn Manocchio said in a statement.
“We’d like to thank our staff and volunteer show corps, who have continued to make adjustments to ensure our community’s safety during these challenging times.”
The Grand reserves the right to adjust this suspension should conditions warrant in line with evolving CDC recommendations, the statement said. If a change to regulations occurs, patrons will receive an email and text message prior to their scheduled performance, they said.
Darius Rucker spotted in Wilmington:Playing golf before Met Philly show
Additionally, resident companies, rentals and other events at one of The Grand’s three theaters may still opt to enforce their own mitigation efforts despite the relaxation of our policies, according to The Grand.
Patrons who aren’t comfortable attending a show based on this new information are encouraged to call the box office at (302) 652-5577, from 10 a,m, to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. For more information, visit thegrandwilmington.org.
