The Roxy Theatre on 9th Street East in Owen Sound. (Matt Hermiz/Bayshore Broadcasting News)
The Roxy Theatre in Owen Sound will be reducing its capacity to 50 per cent following the Covid measures announcement last week.
These measures come about one month following the reopening of the Roxy with its first show, ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime.’
“I think like everyone, we are very frustrated and disappointed that this is where we find ourselves, but we completely understand the public health measures that are being put in place to keep everybody safe,” says Executive Director Marcia Cunningham.
Cunningham adds they have adjusted their Covid procedures a bit, as they are now holding their screening and ticket taking outdoors. Giving patrons no reason to stop and mingle with others, and head straight to their seats.
As part of the the announcement by Ford, concessions will be closed, but Cunningham says the Roxy had already employed this measure.
“The Roxy Theatre had actually already decided the week prior to close the bar, just out of an abundance of caution because we really didn’t want there to be any reason for patrons to be taking off their mask in the theatre,” says Cunningham.
Cunningham says for the 21st annual upcoming Beckett Family New Year’s Eve performance, it will be limited to 50 per cent capacity and have halted any in person ticketing for it. Tickets are still be sold to the online streaming performance, however.
“Things may change again based on how things go with Covid, but at this point I can only plan for what we know to be the case and so we will just continue to respect the government mandates and do our best to keep everyone as safe as possible,” says Cunningham.
In going into the new year, Cunningham says she wouldn’t be surprised if there would be a couple postponements of the January shows. She adds they had a Practically Hip performance and Epic Elton scheduled for January, but they have gone ahead and postponed those shows.
Cunningham says she hopes residents will support the theatre by purchasing memberships or make donations, as the reduced capacity is difficult for the theatre.
More details are available on the Roxy Theatre website.