Sarasota Arts Attractions Add Safety for Audiences
Here's a look at how some Sarasota County arts attractions are adding new sanitizing, social distancing and mask-wearing measures for audience safety
Sarasota County beaches, businesses and other attractions are following specific and evolving state & local government guidelines for reopening to visitors (click here to see up-to-date information about our destination's COVID-19 response, or click here for the latest guidelines for our county beaches and parks). However, many are taking even more precautions to make sure their guests and patrons can feel safe upon returning to the hotels, restaurants, shops and other locally owned businesses that make up Sarasota County.
Here's how some of our local arts attractions describe the policies and procedures that have been added to for the safety of guests.
"We miss our patrons so much, and can’t wait to safely welcome guests back to the Van Wezel. We are using a fogging protocol for mass disinfecting prior to performances and have added 28 hand sanitizing stations throughout the facility, as well as touchless ticketing options. Touchless paper dispensers will be added to restrooms, which already include motion-activated faucets, and we are looking at touchless security magnetometers that take temperatures.
We are thrilled to also offer some digital performance options. Our audience is encouraged to join our e-club and follow us on social media to stay informed of everything we have planned. We will monitor changes in safety guidelines as they continue to evolve and will absolutely keep our patrons in the know as we prepare to raise the curtain!”
—Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
"The Ringling is open and has implemented a comprehensive plan that focuses on the health and safety of both visitors and staff. The Ringling staff are required to wear masks at all times, and all visitors are required to wear masks when inside venue spaces, and to practice proper social distancing. All groups are limited to 10 persons or less and venue occupancy is limited to comply with social distancing guidelines. Trams will operate only for persons with limited mobility.
Some venues and experiences may be limited or unavailable as we continue to navigate the challenges of Covid-19: The hands-on Tibbals Interactive Galleries in the Circus Museum remain closed, the Ca’d’Zan is open to explore on the first floor only, and Docent-led tours are not available. Food service remains available at The Ringling."
"Venice Theatre is 'super sanitized.' Medrep Technologies came in and performed a hydrogen peroxide fogging, and we have started working with Jantize America on a regular basis to do a disinfectant fogging after every performance that can cover 10 times more surface area than traditional spray. We have also put together a reopening task force that will come up with new protocols for audience members, refreshments, intermissions and other activities that will ensure all guests are as safe as possible while enjoying a show."
"Contactless ticketing and other safety protocols are in effect at Selby Gardens' Downtown Sarasota and Historic Spanish Point campuses. Public areas are cleaned and disinfected throughout the day. Indoor areas are open for limited hours, and require both a mask and social distancing. Tickets may be purchased online at the Downtown Sarasota campus only. Guests are also encouraged to bring their own water as water fountains are closed."
—Selby Gardens (Sarasota)
"Our safety enhancements and protocols for all concerts at Holley Hall will include the following: one-hour concerts without intermission, socially-distanced musicians onstage with ensembles ranging from 2 to 15 players, audience sizes limited to below 20 percent capacity with socially-distanced seating, required masks and hand sanitizing stations for patrons, deep cleaning of the facility between performances. We have also installed a new Needlepoint Bipolar Ionization air handling system that eliminates viruses, bacteria, mold and odors."
"We want you to have a safe experience when you visit the galleries. All high touch surfaces are disinfected regularly during the day.
Hand sanitizer stations are available in every gallery space for your convenience. All visitors are required to wear a mask."