Editorial: Requiring proof of vaccination is right move for local theaters

Theaters across Chicago and the suburbs went dark in March of 2020. Reopening, directors and patrons knew early on, could be tied in part to a vaccine - to bringing COVID-19 numbers to a point where theater lovers could safely settle into their seats for a rousing musical or heartfelt drama.

After more than 16 months, the curtain is finally rising. But the Delta variant, spiking case counts and the number of people who have opted not to get vaccinated are forcing theater directors to make some tough choices.

In the suburbs, Aurora's Paramount Theatre went first. With the opening of the musical "Kinky Boots" just weeks away, officials there announced that proof of vaccination would be required to enter the theater. Children too young to be vaccinated must be masked.

Teatro ZinZanni in Chicago will do the same.

And on Friday, the Broadway League announced that all 41 Broadway theaters will require guests to show proof of vaccination.

Suburban and Chicago theaters should follow suit, and we applaud Paramount for leading the way.

The reasoning for Paramount was twofold. First, social distancing was not an option. If the theater were to properly separate patrons, capacity would be reduced from 1,843 to 419. And it's not possible in the lobby or restrooms, often packed at intermission.

But Paramount's decision went beyond ticket sales, President and CEO Tim Rater says: The decision was made to keep audiences and staff safe.

We acknowledge how difficult it must have been. For many, knowing that other patrons will be vaccinated makes buying tickets an easier call. But others are angered by the decision.

First Folio Theatre in Oak Brook has yet to make a decision on whether to require vaccines for its October premiere of "The Jigsaw Bride: A Frankenstein Story," but the box office is already getting calls from adamant patrons on both sides. While some say they will only come if vaccines are required, others vow to avoid the theater should it mandate proof.

"Someone is going to be upset no matter what you do," David Rice, First Folio's co-founder and executive director, told reporter Barbara Vitello last week. "You have to do what you think is right."

Many theaters are taking a wait-and-see approach, but we urge them to look at the numbers, assess the variants, consider the needs of both audience members and staff and gather the opinions of experts before they decide. Yes, they may alienate those who are opposed to getting the vaccine. Ultimately, though, they need to protect their staff, their performers and their audiences - and, we hope, help keep their theaters open.