The Jason Robards Theater at Westport Country Playhouse, where proof of vaccination and wearing masks are required for audiences this fall. / Photo, Westport Country Playhouse

WESTPORT — Patrons at Westport Country Playhouse productions this fall, along with those at five other major theaters across the state, will be required to show proof of vaccinations and wear masks.

The mandatory vaccination and mask policy was announced Monday by the theater association — Connecticut Flagship Producing Theaters — “to minimize exposure to COVID-19 and stage a successful return,” according to the statement.

The new policy requires theater goers to “be masked and fully vaccinated with an FDA-authorized vaccine to attend an indoor performance, and must show proof of vaccination with their valid ticket to enter the venue.”

The mandate applies not only to audiences, but also to the theaters’ staff and backstage crew, as well as performers when not on stage, the statement said.

“Since the global pandemic closed our buildings in 2020, we have been eager to welcome Connecticut back to the theater in-person, safely,” Michael Barker, the Westport Country Playhouse managing director, said on behalf of the group.

“Vaccines and masks prevent the spread of COVID-19 and allow us to share the collective electricity of live performance, unmediated by a screen,’ Barker added. “We are guided by science and always listening to our audiences, with safety as our highest priority.”

The policy was developed relying on the latest health and safety guidance from the federal Centers for Disease Control, as well as state and local protocols, the group said.

Some CFPT venues will allow for specific exemptions to the vaccine requirement, such as age, medical and religious considerations. These exemptions vary from theater to theater. Audiences should refer to each theater’s website for the current exemption policy.

Specific COVID-19 practices may vary among the theaters, and patrons are advised to check a theater’s website for details on its implementation of the policy. The websites also will have information on how pandemic issues may affect schedules and programming. The sites are:

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