Seeing a Broadway show is definitely one of the most thrilling and memorable things you can experience while visiting the city that never sleeps. Talent, showmanship and moving stories abound on Broadway. And if you’re a theater fan, you can never get enough of them.

If you are coming to the big apple, in addition to visiting Times Square, 5th Avenue and Central Park, having a Broadway night out is a must. Still, you may be wondering: During Covid times, is Broadway open in New York?

The answer is yes!

In September 2021, most shows went back on stage. However, like most venues around the world, New York theaters introduced some Covid-19 safety protocols and entry requirements.

In this post, we’ll explore three key questions:

• What NYC Restrictions & Broadway safety protocols are in place?
• Are there Broadway vaccine mandates and exceptions?
• Are shows canceled because of Covid?

Let’s get started!

NYC Restrictions & Broadway Safety Protocols

Through the 28th of February, according to NYC restrictions, all Broadway theaters will require vaccinations for:

• Attending guests
• Backstage crew
• Performers
• Theater staff

The audience must also wear a mask inside the theater, and will be able to eat and drink only in designated locations. Broadway vaccine mandates vary and some exceptions apply for children under 12.

Broadway Vaccine Mandates for All Guests of the Age of 12 and Older

Adults and children of 12 and older must be fully vaccinated with a WHO or FDA-authorized vaccine. This means that they must either:

• Have two doses of a two-dose Covid-19 vaccine (e.g: Pfizer, AstraZeneca)
• Have one dose of a single-dose Covid-19 vaccine (e.g: Johnson & Johnson)

Audience members must have completed their vaccination scheme at least 14 days before the performance. Additionally, they must show a government-issued photo ID at the entrance, such as:

• Passport
• Driver’s license
• School ID (for guests between 12 and 18, no photo required)

Testing Requirements for Children 5-11 Years Old

Kids 5-11 years old must be accompanied by a full-vaccinated adult, and must present proof of one of the following:

• One dose of a WHO or FDA-approved vaccine, taken 14 days before the performance (only through February 28, 2022)
• A negative PCR test result, taken within 72 hours before the beginning of the show and performed by a healthcare professional
• A negative rapid antigen test, taken within 6 hours before the beginning of the performance

Planning to show a negative Covid-19 test result? Bear in mind that it must clearly show the date and time of the test to be considered valid.

International Guests

If you are an international traveler, your options are:

• To have a complete vaccination scheme with two doses of any “mix and match” combo of Covid-19 vaccines.
• To get one dose of a single-dose vaccine.

Only vaccines that are in the WHO or FDA-approved list will be accepted.

Other Safety Protocols

New York’s State Health Department offers a contact tracing app for everyone to download. The app will tell you if you were in close contact with someone who has Covid-19. Of course, this person will remain anonymous.

Beyond NYC mandates, some productions went the extra mile with safety protocols. For example, many theaters have redesigned their air filtration system to increase fresh air exchange.

If you want to know more about the specific safety protocols of the theater you plan to visit, check out their official website.

Are Shows Being Canceled Due to Covid?

All Broadway productions went back to stage in late 2021, with the right precautions. However, since the Omicron wave hit, playbills became a little less stable. Some shows had to cancel winter performances because Covid-19 cases were detected among crews and cast members.

In those cases, companies published the date by which they planned to be back on stage. Nevertheless, these can be subject to change without notice, as the production will evaluate how the situation develops. You can always confirm exact dates and times on the show’s official website, or ticketing sites.
When purchasing your tickets, we suggest you check for the exchange and refund policy of your show. There are three potential scenarios you should consider:

• Feeling unwell before the performance
• Getting Covid before the performance
• Having the show canceled due to Covid

Get Your Tickets

You can check current Broadway offerings and performance status on Playbill’s website. Consider that generally, Broadway shows run Tuesday through Sunday, and they take Sunday and Monday evenings off. However, some productions may offer non-traditional times as well.

Additionally, many shows offer discount tickets starting from $30, so don’t forget to check your show’s website to know whether there are any rush tickets or lotteries available!

Wondering where to get tested for your next visit to NYC? No matter where you are, or what type of test you need, discover Covid-19 testing locations near you with our global directory.