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The NY PopsUp program will serve as a test run
for the return of live artistic performances in New York City
after the coronavirus pandemic shuttered plays, ballet, opera
and concerts in the city.
"In April, select Broadway theaters ... will open their doors to
audiences for the first time since March 12, 2020, with a series
of special NY PopsUp programs," organizers said in a statement.
The initiative will "put in motion safety protocols that will
eventually be employed for Broadway’s return."
New York officials said on Wednesday that event spaces could
reopen at one-third of their capacity, or 100 people indoors,
starting on April 2. Testing, masks and social distancing will
be required.
A handful of off-Broadway venues with flexible performance
spaces will be also be adapted for socially distanced arts
events and start opening in April.
“The reopening of these venues will provide the much needed
light at the end of this long, dark tunnel," Sade Lythcott,
chief executive of the National Black Theatre, said in a
statement.
Thousands of actors, dancers, musicians and backstage crew were
thrown out of work when Broadway theaters closed. The target
date for reopening is currently June 1, although that date may
slip. Some shows, including the hit musicals "Frozen" and "Mean
Girls" have said they will not return
Live theater is one of the last sectors to come back after the
pandemic because of the challenges of social distancing for
actors on stage, for crews backstage, and for audiences in
cramped seating in old buildings.
New York City has begun relaxing pandemic restrictions in recent
weeks due to a fall in coronavirus cases and an increase in
supplies of vaccines.
The NY PopsUp program, launched by show business producers Scott
Rudin and Jane Rosenthal, began its rollout in late February
featuring short, free outdoor performances around New York
state.
(Reporting by Jill Serjeant; editing by Jonathan Oatis)
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