COVID-19 - Mill Mountain Theatre

Masks Optional at MMT

With recent changes stemming from Actors’ Equity Association and the decreasing COVID-19 rates in our area, Mill Mountain Theatre has decided to make masks optional, for everyone. Mill Mountain Theatre will continue to actively monitor the COVID-19 rates in the Roanoke Region and through the State and CDC recommendations.

Mill Mountain Theatre will continue to focus on keeping our audiences safe and will continue to build a safe environment for our audiences.

The staff and board at Mill Mountain Theatre have put countless hours into safely re-introducing its audiences into the theatre. Mill Mountain Theatre put nine of its staff members through the Health Education Services COVID safety program, creating nine COVID-19 Safety Compliance officers within the theatre. This group has also implemented the following guidelines in the theatre.

The cast, crew and staff have been vaccinated and tested weekly for COVID-19
The cast and crew will be masked throughout rehearsals.
Hand sanitizing stations and masks are available for our audience at each show.
The theatre has inspected and maintained its ventilation system to maintain compliance with the CDC and Actors’ Equity Association rules to protect the cast, crew, staff and audience.
MMT has implemented hospital-grade air filtration systems in its housing for actors, staff and the creative team.
MMT has been approved for its strict safety standards by Actors’ Equity Association.
Mill Mountain Theatre’s spaces are routinely cleaned and sanitized before every performance.
MMT continues to actively work with industry-leading COVID-19 researchers and doctors on the theatre’s board and at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion.

We look forward to welcoming our patrons to the Trinkle MainStage and seeing each one of our patrons this season.

2023 Season Safety Protocols

All performers will be tested for COVID-19 throughout the rehearsal and performance process.

All performers and staff will be fully vaccinated. Cast and production staff are required to wear masks during rehearsal and offstage.

Spaces will be cleaned with EPA-approved disinfectants between rehearsals and performances.

Cast is required to complete a health questionnaire and take their temperature daily.

Hand sanitation stations will be placed throughout the theatre, lobby and rehearsal spaces.

Our goal is to protect the health and safety of all MMT students, staff, their families and our community. Our policies are based upon by current public health advisories and best practices. Should circumstances and public health advice change, we will update our students, staff and their families on any changes to continue to ensure health and safety. At this time, masks are optional for all MMT patrons.

MMT’s COVID-19 Policies were revised on February 8th, 2023

FAQs: 2022 Spring Classes at Mill Mountain Theatre Conservatory

Q: Are classes in-person or virtual?

A: The Spring 2022 semester classes will take place in person.

Q: Are masks required?

A: Yes! All students and instructors are required to wear masks at all times, which includes while entering and exiting the building as well as during the full class time.

Q: How will social distancing work in classes?

A: Instructors will keep students socially distanced (6 feet apart) during classes. We will use markings on the floor to show 6 feet of distance and indicate where students should stand.

Q: Where will classes meet this year?

A: All classes will meet at MMT’s Waldron Stage at 20 Church Ave SE, Roanoke VA 24011.

Q: What are you doing to make sure in-person classes are safe?

A: We are following the CDC and VDH guidelines as well as the guidance we have received from local healthcare professionals to keep our students and staff safe during in-person classes. Some of the safety measures we are taking include:

Requiring students & staff to wear masks/face coverings AT ALL TIMES
Practicing safe social distancing (6 ft. or more) between students/staff members
Having hand sanitizer available for frequent use before, during, and after classes
Cleaning each space thoroughly between classes
Taking temperatures with a touchless thermometer at the door before students are allowed to enter each class
Limiting the amount of any paper exchange and sending digitally when we can

Q: Should my child come to class if they are feeling under the weather?

A: No! For their safety, and for the safety of the other students and instructors in the class, if a student is feeling under the weather, that student should stay home. If your child is going to miss a class, please email the instructor ahead of class time to let them know. We have adjusted our attendance requirements so that students can miss class if they are not feeling well.

Q: Can my student virtually join an in-person class if they are unable to be there physically?

A: Unfortunately, we are not able to have students virtually join an in-person class. If the student is enrolled in the in-person class and has to miss, instructors will do their best to catch the student up with anything they missed. If a student isn’t able to regularly attend an in-person class, we would recommend that the student registers for one of our virtual options.

Q: What happens if someone contracts COVID-19?

A: In the unfortunate event that one of our students or staff members contracts COVID-19, MMT reserves the right to switch all classes to a virtual format to ensure everyone’s safety. All in-person classes are being planned so that can be easily translated into an online format, if needed. Please note, refunds will not be provided if MMT switches to a virtual format.

Virginia’s Blue Ridge Stay Safe Pledge

Mill Mountain Theatre is proud to have signed Virginia’s Blue Ridge Stay Safe Pledge. 🎭✨

The pledge follows recommended guidelines from the CDC and public health officials, and helps us create an environment of safety while we enjoy the businesses and experiences that make Virginia’s Blue Ridge a special place.

Learn more here: visitroanokeva.com/covid19/stay-safe/

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