Vancouver arts groups respond to new COVID-19 measures
The Cultch, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra among those adjusting to 50-percent capacity at all theatres, concert venues
LOCAL ARTS ORGANIZATIONS were bracing for them: Today, new measures go into effect province-wide to stop the spread of COVID-19 in light of the fast-spreading Omicron variant that could result in increased hospitalizations and the potential to overstress the health-care system.
B.C. public health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced that theatres, concerts, and sports games are reduced to 50-percent seated capacity, regardless of venue size.
Revised provincial health officer orders take effect on December 22 at 11:59 pm and extend to January 18, 2022 at 11:59 pm.
Heather Redfern, executive director of the Cultch, was swift to send a note of reassurance to supporters and ticket-holders to East Van Panto: Alice in Wonderland.
“We know these have been some challenging days,” Redfern says. “Our team has talked a lot about how this season would need our ongoing flexibility. So we’ve always been ready for changes to protocols, and we’ll be immediately responsive to them as they come up.
“As of December 22, live performances of East Van Panto: Alice in Wonderland will be restricted to 50% capacity,” she says. “The good news is audiences will see the Panto this year no matter what, either in person or digitally. We continue to listen closely to BC Provincial Health updates, and we’ll keep you informed of how that relates to your Cultch experience. We’re inventive, resilient, and have so many ways to bring performances to you this season.”
For East Van Panto, in-person tickets will be accommodated by order date. If someone’s tickets are subject to change, the Cultch will exchange them for the digital version on the same date. If there is a price difference between tickets, people can request a tax receipt, credit on account, gift certificate, or refund.
The latest round of COVID measures come less than a week after other restrictions had been introduced.
Vancouver Symphony Orchestra had responded with an announcement saying that all VSO concerts as of January 1, 2022 will be sold at 50-percent capacity until further notice. The organization is also implementing distanced comfort seating between parties.
VSO has also announced that sales are currently paused for performances of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1 In Concert in April and the Music of Joe Hisaishi in June. Current ticket holders are being assured that their orders are maintained, and the VSO will be in touch with them should capacity restrictions still be in place at the time of the concerts.
Tickets for the VSO’s Rocketman Live In Concert in March 2022 as well as Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert and James Ehnes Plays Beethoven are, for now, being sold to 50-percent capacity. It is possible that current ticket holders may be seated without comfort spacing between them. Audience members concerned about seating can call the VSO box office to be reseated.
For individuals uncomfortable with attending live performances, the VSO offers subscription packages to VSO Online, a new digital series that provides full-length performances livestreamed direct from the Orpheum and available on demand.
Vancouver Chopin Society is dealing with the fallout from its presentation of Bruce Liu at the Chan Centre, which had been sold out prior to the 50-percent capacity being announced. But the good news is Liu has agreed to play a second concert the day following his Chan Centre recital, on February 21 at the Orpheum.
For the February 20 concert, Vancouver Chopin Society subscriber orders get priority in seating and their seats are guaranteed. Because the organization cannot accommodate all single ticket holders, the box office will operate on a last in, first out policy.
“We ask for your understanding regarding the impact and strain this will have on the Chan Centre staff who provide support for our performances,” Vancouver Chopin Society president Patrick May and Iko Bylicki, founder and senior manager said in a newsletter. “We thank you in advance for your understanding and patience. We sincerely hope that we will be able to welcome you to all our 2022 events.”
The Chan Centre has announced that customers can refund or exchange their tickets for Chan Presents concerts at any time. “We understand the changing landscape of the pandemic may affect your future decision to attend events,” it said in a newsletter.
The new public-health office measures also include: no organized indoor social events and gatherings of any size; the closure of gyms, fitness centres, dance studios, bars, and nightclubs; and limiting table sizes at restaurants, cafes and pubs to a maximum of six people per table with physical distancing or barriers.
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