Theatre Reopening Survey Results

A big ‘thank you’ to all respondents of our COVID-19 survey. We at Theatre Huntsville take your health, comfort, and safety seriously. With this in mind, we will not resume in-person performances until we have both strong indication of patron comfort, and can perform compliant with health official recommendations to minimize risk to audience, cast, and crew.

We had 587 patrons respond to our survey. Of those, 95% have attended at least one Theatre Huntsville production.

Of particular note, 59% of our respondents are over age 55. Given the higher rate of comorbidities present among older adults in relation to COVID-19 complications, it stands to reason that a larger percentage of our patronage chooses caution under pandemic conditions. This shared data should be viewed with that in mind.

Precautions for Live Performance

It is clear from responses that once we do resume in-person performances, our patrons largely feel it is ‘somewhat important’ to ‘very important’ to take most precautions listed below. We hear you, and we certainly plan on doing so long as this virus remains a concern:

Crowd Thresholds for Live Performance

Responses also indicate higher public higher levels of comfort with smaller crowd sizes. With this is mind, a return to the Von Braun Center Playhouse will likely be delayed until at least the 2021/22 Season. The Studio Theatre at Lowe Mill Arts and Entertainment allows us to better serve smaller crowd sizes and arrange flexible seating. Additionally, the Studio Theatre allows us scheduling flexibility during this ever-changing pandemic landscape. Our first live slows will almost certainly be presented in this smaller and more flexible space.

Timing for Live Performance

Responses also indicate limited probable attendance prior to early 2021, and attendance is key to running a sustainable show. With these preferences in mind, our first attempts at live performance are unlikely to occur any sooner than early 2021. Again, first performance will likely take place in the Studio Theatre where our staff can operate with greater flexibility and present programming to smaller, socially distanced crowds.

In the Meantime

We at Theatre Huntsville are wasting no time during this prolonged ‘intermission’. Renovation work continues at the Studio Theatre and our staff is working hard behind the scenes to do as much as we can to endure through this pandemic as a strong and thriving performing arts organization. In addition to upgrading the Studio Theatre physically, we have also added livestream capabilities on Twitch. We aired our first livestream in August, and will be holding our livestream panel discussion, “Race Issues in Horror” on October 17th as part of Huntsville Arts Week with with Arts Huntsville. Throughout October, we will be uploading to our YouTube channel four “Stories by Ghost Light” exploring the historical ghosts of Alabama. Rocket City Playwrights’ Series is currently accepting entries, and we will be livestreaming the finalists in November.

Of course, these survey results represent a snapshot in an ever-changing situation. You will likely be asked to participate in another survey in the future as we continue to evaluate the timing and logistics of our return to live performance. Your voice matters!

Please continue to support us by following us on all social media channels theatre opportunities! And now more than ever, consider donating to Theatre Huntsville, or join us at Friends of Theatre Huntsville on Facebook to remain apprised of ways to help us come out of this pandemic stronger than ever.