Live Performance Australia releases COVID Safe guidelines

Live Performance Australia has released a comprehensive set of COVID Safe guidelines to help the live performance industry prepare to reopen its venues and resume productions.

The guidelines cover auditions, rehearsals and performances, as well as touring of live performances. The Performing Arts Connections (PAC) Australia guidelines for COVID Safe Theatres, originally issued in June, have also been revised and updated.

LPA Chief Executive Evelyn Richardson said the live performance industry was committed to reducing the risk of community transmission in the general public and protecting and promoting the health and safety of its workers and audiences.

“These guidelines have been reviewed by medical experts and will help our industry understand what they need to do to keep our performing arts venues and workplaces safe.

“People in our industry are passionate about getting back to work and engaging and entertaining live audiences, but safety must be our top priority to ensure the well-being of our workers and audiences,” Ms Richardson said.

As public health restrictions are eased in different states and territories, these guidelines will help the industry reopen, restart and rebuild following the devastating impact of COVID-19.

Ms Richardson said the guidelines have been developed with industry input, reviewed by medical experts, revised based on that advice and endorsed by an epidemiologist. LPA also consulted with the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) on the three guideline documents.

Tailored guidelines for events of scale, such as large concerts and music festivals, are being developed through the Live Entertainment Industry Forum (LEIF).

Ms Richardson said the live performance industry was committed to working closely with state and territory governments on the implementation of the guidelines and restarting the live performance industry.

“In addition to the emergency funding assistance that governments have provided to help our industry through this crisis, enabling our companies to reactivate and our performers to get back on stage in front of audiences is the best form of support they need.

“These guidelines provide the pathway for reopening venues and bringing our live performance industry back to life in the months ahead,” Ms Richardson said.

View the Guidelines for Auditions, Rehearsals and Performances here.

View the Touring Guidelines here.

View the updated version of the PAC Australia Guidelines for COVID Safe Theatres here.