Covid safety as we return to the stage...

Equity have released this news update: Equity responds to Prime Minister's latest Covid press conference

It’s a minefield trying to figure out safety & backups for shows while also trying to be fair to everyone. Plans for returning to physical rehearsals and shows at The South Devon Players will involve more safety measures than “minimum legally required” simply because we want everyone to be as safe as possible in their theatre involvement and in their wider lives- though we hope the measures will remain welcoming to all as well. 

We are still working on the full details, which may be subject to alteration in line with official / verified scientific guidance., however, the draft safety measures for rehearsals are as below:

In a nutshell for rehearsals and castings, we will be keeping good ventilation at all times (if it is a cooler day bring a warm top as we will have windows open and a through-draught. ).
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People not actually up rehearsing a scene, will be asked, if possible, to wear a mask, and we will be encouraging the use of hand sanitizer on arrival and after using community centre facilities. 
If these are not possible for medical reasons, then we are happy to exempt you. 

We will ask that visitors (people who are not actors/ crew or volunteers) who pop in, are expected in advance and are visiting for a serious reason (eg: trade union visit, journalist, emergency services, etc)
Unexpected visitors will not be allowed to enter. "Do Not Disturb" signage will be on the door for this reason. 

Everyone will be asked to sign in and out, and will be requested to not attend if they are ill. (there will be no non-attendance note for this). Anyone who is self-isolating due to possible Covid exposure, may connect to rehearsal over Zoom.   

We will also encourage people to bring their own mugs for coffees and tea, and, if using community center mugs/glasses, to ensure that they are washed, dried and put away after use. 

Crew will arrive early and check the rehearsal room. It is a shared space with other local organizations, and we will ensure that it is of an acceptable standard of cleanliness before rehearsals. 
Everyone will be asked to help leave it in an equally good condition for the next user groups of the building. 

Costumes will be in individual ziplock bags (not to be shared)

A specific box containing disposable masks, gloves, sanitizer, wipes, disinfectant and other cleaning and protective materials, will be present in the rehearsal cupboard. 
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