Health and Safety

A guide to playing safely for all Audience Members, Youth Participants, and Guests of Filament Theatre.

Audience Safety (as of Fall 2022)

At this time, masks are highly encouraged but not required for audience members. Due to the interactive nature of many Filament experiences, you may find yourself playing alongside someone outside of your household. We encourage everyone to make decisions that keep themselves and others safe and comfortable.

If you or a member of your household is experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19, had a direct exposure, or has received a positive COVID-19 test, please stay home and contact us at boxoffice@filamenttheatre.org and we will exchange your tickets for a later date.

Our performers and facilitators are tested weekly for COVID-19 and follow a comprehensive safety policy. Please note that performers will be unmasked during performances.

Proof of vaccination & masking:

At this time, Filament is not requiring audience members to provide proof of vaccination for entry. Staff members, artists, and participants in our education programs are still required to provide proof of vaccination. All guests age 2 and older are encouraged to wear a KN95 or N95 medical or well-fitting cloth mask over their nose and mouth while in the theater, regardless of vaccination status. If you do not have an appropriate mask, one can be made available to you.

Please note that these policies are subject to change. In the event that Filament changes these policies to be more strict, we ask audiences to be flexible, understanding, and join us in practicing community care.

Vaccine Mandate

Effective January 3, 2022 

In partnership with the City of Chicago, Filament theater will require all guests (ages 5 and up) to show proof of vaccination prior to entry into the theater.

All guests ages 12 and older will need to be fully vaccinated with an FDA-authorized or WHO-authorized vaccine at the time of entry. Proof of vaccination must be:

  • At least 14 days after the second dose of a two-dose COVID‑19 vaccine, 
  • OR at least 14 days after a single-dose vaccine. 

Proof of vaccination can include a physical vaccine card, a photocopy of the card, a digital record or app on your phone, or a printed record from a vaccine provider.  

  • All guests over the age of 16, will have to provide photo identification with their proof of vaccination – two doses of Pfizer or Moderna, or one shot of Johnson and Johnson. 
  • Children ages 5-11 years old will have to provide proof of at least one vaccination shot at the time of entry to the theater. 
  • Guests ages 0 to 4 years old are not required to show proof of vaccination. 

The vaccine requirement does not change Filament theater’s masking policies (see our masking policies below). The vaccination mandate is an additive step to our current policies. 

Masks

All guests age 2 and older are asked to wear a mask over their nose and mouth while in the theater, regardless of vaccination status, for the health and safety of all of the performers and any unvaccinated children in the theater. 

KN95 or N95 masks are preferred however, well-fitting cloth masks are also permitted. Bandanas, gaiters, masks with valves, mesh masks, and face shields without masks may not be worn. Appropriate masks will be made available in both adult and child sizes, for all guests who do not have one. 

Guests who are not comfortable wearing a mask, or cannot wear a mask for any reason, are encouraged to plan their visit for another time, once the theater’s mask requirements have been lifted. .

Hand Sanitizers and Hand Washing 

Hand sanitizer dispensers are located around the theater. There are also hand washing stations available in the theater restrooms.

Social Distancing 

Please allow six feet of social distance between your group and other groups while in the lobby spaces. 

Please note that while seated in the theater, six feet of social distance from other groups may not always be possible. 

Performers may be unmasked while performing. Performers will keep a distance of at least six feet from guests while unmasked. 

Flexible Exchanges  

For the health and safety of all guests and staff, please do not visit the theater if anyone in your group is sick or exhibiting COVID-like symptoms. 

If you have already purchased tickets and must postpone your visit due to illness, contact boxoffice@filamenttheatre.org or text 773-270-1660 to reschedule your visit. 

Exchanges requested less than 3 hours prior to a performance may be subject to fees. 

Cancellations

Complications from COVID-19 may result in Filament Theatre cancelling or postponing performances. In the event that a performance is cancelled or postponed, Filament will contact all ticket holders via email or phone as well as post to social media. 

Ticket holders will be invited to reschedule, receive a refund or donate their ticket. 

Eating and Drinking in the theater 

Filament Theatre will not be operating a concession stand at this time. There is no eating or drinking in the theater, with the exception of nursing and bottle-feeding, which continue to be allowed anywhere in the theater. Water fountains are closed.    

Staff Health and Safety 

Staff are required to be fully vaccinated, complete a health check before every shift, and will not work if they exhibit any COVID-like symptoms or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.