Guidelines for COVID-Safe Theatres

The national guidelines for COVID-Safe Theatres, prepared by PAC Australia, are now available.

You can download the document in full here.

We have accelerated the process of delivering these guidelines from the other frameworks and resources that LPA will be delivering, as we understand that many venues need this information now and that the structures under which performing arts centres operate are distinct from commercial venues or larger cultural institutions.

However, these guidelines have, of course, been reviewed by LPA and we’ll continue to contribute to their excellent work in delivering guidelines for industry reactivation.

Safe Work Australia (SWA) have also reviewed the attached, noting that they do not endorse or promote any document that is not authored by them. It is expected that there will be resources delivered by SWA under the much broader heading “Arts and Entertainment”. Although they have advised that they do not actively consult with industry in drafting these resources, the information provided in the attached (and other industry guidelines) will inform this resource.

These performing arts venue guidelines aim to provide national consistency and a common framework, recognising that there will be different approaches and timelines across states and territories to easing restrictions and implementing social distancing measures. The need for a set of national guidelines acknowledges that venues operate and engage with stakeholders at local, state and national levels, but the expectation is that these guidelines will be adapted by local and state authorities to accommodate their specific legislative requirements.

Finally, these guidelines acknowledge the social distancing requirements and capacity limits that currently apply. We are, of course, supportive of all activity currently underway to lobby for these measures to be lifted, but acknowledge some venues are in a position to reopen, in varying degrees, with social distancing in place and need to plan accordingly.

We expect there will be amendments to this document as we all continue to move through re-opening and will keep you updated accordingly.

PAC Australia would like to acknowledge the contributions of Kim Tran (Live Performance Australia), Simon Hinton (Merrigong Theatre), Shauna Weekes and Glenn Hall (Perth Theatre Trust) and Ross Farnell (through his engagement with VAPAC to develop the VIC resources).