Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19

The health and safety of our artists, staff, volunteers, and patrons remain our #1 priority. Following the peak of the pandemic, during our 2021-2022 season, performances were sometimes streamed online, sometimes presented live in-person, or a combination of both, as we followed state and local mandates regarding indoor public gatherings. As of fall 2023, we have dropped our requirement for audience members to be masked, in keeping with Santa Clara County guidelines. However, an outbreak of COVID in the cast forced us to cancel the final weekend of our performances for Rent. Thus, while we are continuing our no-mask policy for audience members, all performances remain subject to change based on state and local health and safety mandates. Thank you in advance for your flexibility, patience, and understanding.

The information presented here is relevant to South Bay Musical Theatre and its operations in Santa Clara County, and is based upon recommendations of local, state, and federal health agencies. The content of this page is subject to change, and will be updated as soon as practicable upon changes to health orders and/or SBMT policy.

Patrons and Company Members (Staff, Cast, Crew, Orchestra, and Volunteers) must always adhere to state and local health ordinances. This FAQ is provided only as supplemental guidance, and to communicate SBMT policy when it goes beyond state and local requirements.

Updates to this page are summarized here:

  • December 6, 2023: For our Season 61 productions of Rent, A Little Night Music, and Mary Poppins, patrons will no longer be required to wear masks.
  • August 30, 2022: Starting with our Fall rescheduled production of Company, patrons will no longer be required to present proof of vaccination to attend performances. Patrons must still wear masks while attending performances.
  • January 7, 2022: With the current Omicron wave, our vaccination and masking requirements no longer seem to offer a strong enough assurance that no one is spreading Covid at our event. So to protect you, our audience, and to avoid any potential community spreading, we are rescheduling COMPANY and BROADWAY IN LOVE to later dates (to be announced). Details here.
  • September 9, 2021: Added clarification regarding “fully vaccinated” with respect to availability of booster shots. Currently the CDC has not changed the definition of “fully vaccinated”, and booster shots (3rd shots of Pfizer or Moderna, or a 2nd shot of Jansen) are not currently required to meet this definition.
  • August 7, 2021: Full COVID vaccination or negative COVID PCR test is now required for all event attendees.
  • August 2, 2021: A new Santa Clara County health order now requires the use of masks in all indoor public settings. This doesn’t change our existing policy, since we were already requiring masks indoors based on the county’s earlier recommendation.
  • July 28, 2021: SBMT’s policy on indoor masking for patrons and company members was changed in response to the CDC’s recommendation for indoor masking, even among vaccinated individuals.