If You're Sick, Please Don't Come to the Theatre

by Chris Peterson, OnStage Blog Founder

I recently attended a fantastic show at a local theatre. I was having a fantastic time; the cast was incredibly talented and the show was going great. The only problem I had was the person sitting behind me who sounded like their were hacking up their lung.

While an occasional cough or clearing of the throat is perfectly normal, it was very clear from the guttural sounds coming from the gentleman behind me, that he was sick with something. To make matters worse, we were sitting close to the stage and he wasn’t wearing a mask.

It seems like an obvious things to say, especially in the age of COVID, but if you know you’re sick - please do not come to the theatre or at least wear a mask. Because if someone doesn’t, they’re putting everything in the theatre, onstage and off, at risk.

Theatre communities, like many others, have faced unprecedented challenges during the pandemic. Performers and production staff often work in close quarters, and a single instance of illness can disrupt the entire production.

Attending a performance while sick increases the likelihood of infecting those involved in the production, potentially leading to cancellations, delays, and financial setbacks for everyone involved.

I completely understand that the price of tickets, plus other elements, may push audience members to attend theatre despite their health situation. But at the very least, wear a mask. Coughing, sneezing, or even just breathing in close proximity can easily transmit respiratory droplets that may contain any types of viruses. Wearing a mask helps prevent that.

I feel that things like this don’t NEED to be pointed out, but apparently they do. So please please please, if you know you’re sick, do not come to the theatre, especially without a mask. In many cases, local theatres will be able to switch your tickets to another date. I’ve heard instances where regional and Broadway theatre box offices have done the same.

Plus, you don’t want to be one person hacking up their lung during important moments of the show. No one wants to be that person. So please, stay home.