BATS THEATRE COVID-19 RESPONSE PLAN

BATS THEATRE
COVID-19
RESPONSE PLAN

Contents
3     Alert Level Breakdown

4     Programme

5     Decision-making under covid

6     ticketing

7     bar

8     communications

9     hygiene & Cleaning Protocols

11    if bats becomes a location of interest

12    events sector voluntary code

                         Version 5, created September 2021

Alert level breakdown

Level 1
At level 1, operations are ‘business as usual’ with just a few extra measures in place.
   Theatres are at full capacity, and are sanitised between seasons, or shows if a space is shared.
   Contact tracing is encouraged - COVID-19 Tracer App posters are displayed, with physical contact
   register also available upon entry.
   Masks are available and encouraged, but not enforced. Mask guidelines will be updated in Sept/Oct
   2021 adhering to government safety measures as we move through levels. BATS will also monitor the
   latest information and how it promotes mask use as a measure to safely operate.
   Staff members can work from home if they want to.

Level 2
The theatre is still open and shows are presented, but with enforced safety measures to adhere
to current government guidelines.
   Each theatre operates at a 60% capacity, in accordance with the government mandate that only 50
   patrons may be present in an indoor space at a time. The capacity of the Stage is 50, the Dome is 40,
   and the studio is 24. The front row is not available for use, and performers must stay 1m upstage from
   the seating block to adhere to government guidelines.
   Contact tracing is mandatory, either through the COVID-19 Tracer App or contact register form.
   Staff must wear face masks while working on-site; patrons are strongly encouraged to bring and use
   their own masks. Face masks are available for purchase from Box Office, with free-to-use disposable
   masks also available. Mask guidelines will be updated in Sept/Oct 2021 adhering to government
   safety measures as we move through levels. BATS will also monitor the latest information and how it
   promotes mask use as a measure to safely operate.
   Staff are encouraged to work from home if they can, but can be on-site as per the bubble model where
   the core staff are split in to two teams who alternate days in which they are present at BATS.
   Table service is enforced in the bar. Patrons order food and drink through Foodship QR codes on their
   smartphones; this includes contactless payment.
   Strict cleaning measures are in place, including continuing sanitising seating blocks after each
   performance and wiping down all shared surfaces. All shared spaces are thoroughly cleaned on a
   daily basis, as well as having increased air circulation to promote fresh clean air in all indoor spaces,
   with the capability to isolate each space’s airflow.

Level 3 & 4
The theatre closes its doors as soon as the announcement is made (within reason; shows that
are currently in progress will finish then patrons and artists will be asked to leave).
   Any shows that are currently packing in must gather their belongings and leave.
   T&F Manager will clean all spaces and prepare building for lockdown, including cancelling all services
   for the duration of the level change.
   FoH manager and bar staff will clean bar and box office for lockdown.
   Management staff will initiate communication streams outlined on page 6.
   Any staff who are not needed for shutdown procedures must relocate to working from home
   immediately. Applications can be made to T&F Manager for any resources that are needed.

Programme

   All shows are informed of our COVID response plan. They are also reminded to stay
   home if they are unwell.
   Programming priority given to Wellington-based artists to mitigate risk of not being
   able to tour.
   If touring shows are unable to tour due to their location being in a higher level, these
   shows will be given the option to be reprogrammed in a later season.
   Shows will be cancelled individually and not en-masse to allow future shows to
   maintain the programmed dates.
   Where possible, cancelled shows will have priority in the next round of programming.
   In the case of closure or cancellation by BATS, no performance cancellation fees will
   apply.

Level 1: - OPEN TO PUBLIC
   Programming as per normal

Level 2: - OPEN TO PUBLIC
   Shows continue as per normal with reduced capacity. Showtimes may be adjusted to
   have one hour minimum in order to allow cleaning of shared spaces to happen
   between shows.

Level 2.5: - CLOSED TO PUBLIC OPEN TO ARTISTS
   Stricter social distancing requirements with bar closed to the public.
   Public performances cancelled.
   Cancelled shows with cast and crew under 7 people may be given opportunity to
   digitise their work by either streaming or filming for EPK or on-demand
   Cancelled shows with cast and crew under 10 people given opportunity to use the
   space they were to perform in as rehearsal time to work towards further presentation
   or digitisation. Digital delivery and space usage will be updated Sept/Oct 2021
   adhering to government safety measures as we move through levels.

Level 3 + 4: - CLOSED
   Digital content to be aired once a week to remain visible to audiences and artists as
   well as creating a revenue stream.
   New and Live Digital content sought from artists

Decision-Making during covid

 As Levels shift across our country, the way we process and prioritise our work also shifts
 to a slightly different model. We take into consideration the following factors before
 finalising any plans with artists:

                    1 - Follow Latest Government Guidelines

   BATS   Theatre   follows   advice   given   by   the   government   and   the   Ministry   of   Health   and

   updates our processes accordingly. As a result, this can mean what has worked for us in

   previous situations may not work with new information. Our processes will be adapted to

   meet the changing times.

          2 - Work with companies on their desired response

   Different companies will have different thoughts and feelings on how they want to move

   forward at different levels. Our Digital Delivery Unit may offer some alternatives, but as this

   may not always be suitable, we work with artists on how we best support the presentation

   of their work. This might be done through online delivery or rescheduling for example.

       3 - Make decision factoring BATS capability to deliver

   Level changes means a larger workload for our small BATS team. As a result, it may not

   always be possible for us to present all the work asked of us at any one time. Under the

   relevant health guidelines we prioritise what work we can do and when. This enables us to

   give as much aid as possible to all our artists without affecting other areas of work while

   managing everyone's well-being.

Ticketing

Ticket holders who are feeling unwell are asked to stay home and contact our
Box Office team at book@bats.co.nz

   Ticket holders who have purchased tickets through the BATS ticketing system
    will be contacted by BATS if their tickets are affected due to performance
   cancelations or reduction in venue capacity
   In the event tickets are purchased through another source, ticket holders will
   need to liaise with the ticket seller directly.

Reduction in theatre capacity due to shifts in Alert levels

   In the event that our theatre capacity needs to be reduced due to a change in
   alert levels, priority will be given to ticket holders based on the time of booking a
   ticket, with earlier bookings taking precedence over later bookings.

   Affected ticket holders will be given the options to;
       Reallocate their tickets to another performance of the same show if
       applicable
       Hold the value of their tickets as credit to be used toward future
       performances at BATS
       Donate the proceeds of their ticket to the Performing Artist, Producing
       Festival or BATS
       Refund the full value of their ticket

Cancelation of performances
   In the event a performance is canceled, ticket holders will be contacted directly
   and given the options as above.

BAR

   Staff and bar patrons who are unwell are asked to stay home.
   If there is a change in alert levels, the bar may need to temporarily close while
   we prepare to operate under government guideline.
   Anyone entering the bar must abide by staff instructions.
   Patrons are advised to keep an eye on BATS social media for operating
   updates.
   Bar service will be updated Sept/Oct 2021 adhering to government safety
   measures as we move through levels.

Level 1: - OPEN TO PUBLIC
   Bar operates as per normal

Level 2: - OPEN TO PUBLIC
   Bar open to public and operates with table service only with reduced capacity to
   allow for social distancing. Patrons can order through QR codes on each table
   which will direct them to a site they can order from; this also ensures
   contactless payment.
   Private functions may still go ahead with restricted numbers adhering to
   Government guidelines.
   Staff are required to wear masks and our artists and patrons are encouraged to
   do so also.
   Anyone entering the bar must sign in using the Contact Tracer app or physical
   register.
   Pre-booking of tables encouraged
   Stricter cleaning measures are in place as outline in the Hygiene & Cleaning
   Protocols. This includes increased air circulation to promote fresh clean air in all
   indoor spaces, with the capability to isolate each space’s airflow.
   In the event BATS has multiple shows programmed across the venue the bar
   may need to close to maintain social distancing requirements.

Level 3 + 4: - CLOSED
   Bar closed.

Communications
          Communication streams and how info is disseminated

         Creative Producer                          Chief Executive

Programmed              Recent            Oversee all             External

     Artists             Artists         public comms         Relationships

 Individual email   Receive our public                        i.e. CNZ and other

with our response        comms.                                     venues

   and how that
   affects them.

Technical & Facilities Manager              Front of House Manager

   Current          Rostered staff           Ticket              Rostered

     Artists        (inc. contractors)      Holders                 Staff

How our response    How our response     Create comms to      How our response

  affects them.      will affect them    send to all ticket    will affect them

                     with upcoming       holders and how       and links to our

                          shifts.        this affects them.   response folders.

      Operations Manager                        Marketing Manager

    Private             Casual           Social Media              Ticket

     Hires                Staff            & Website              Holders

 Individual email   How our response      Create comms        Create comms to

with our response    will affect them       around our         send to all ticket

  and how that       and links to our       response.         holders and how

  affects them.     response folders.                         this affects them.

Hygiene & Cleaning Protocols

         Regardless of current level, the following applies:

    Hand sanitiser is placed around the building and it is encouraged that this is used regularly.
    Face masks are also readily available for those who require them.
    Bathrooms are fully stocked with hand soap and paper towels.
    Staff and artists should be washing their hands for the full 20 seconds before thoroughly drying
    them using paper towels.
    If any staff member or performer is unwell, they are NOT to come into BATS Theatre. Possible
    exemptions can be made (at the discretion of the Technical & Facilities Manager) where
    essential, but they must wear a face mask and minimise contact with those they are not there to
    interact with directly.

Spare stock for all products should be kept on-site. All staff are able to access this to restock
spaces throughout the building when needed, though it is best to consult the Technical & Facilities
Manager first to maintain a clear stocktake of supplies. If the Technical & Facilities Manager is not
available, all stock can be found in the Cleaning Cupboard which is located downstairs next to the
disabled bathroom - the key for this can be found in the top drawer of the Technical & Facilities
Managers desk.

                                    Cleaning Protocols

BATS is cleaned regularly by our contractors - however, it is still necessary for all staff to abide by
the following guidelines to ensure a safe workspace and environment for our audiences. We use
increased air circulation to promote fresh clean air in all indoor spaces, with the capability to isolate
each space’s airflow.

Level 1
As it has been said in the past, Level 1 is not Level None. This is when we have the best chance to
mitigate any risk of transmission to ourselves and our audiences, so it’s vital we stay on top of
things here.

    Face masks are readily available for staff, artists and the public.
    Staff members are to sanitise their desks at the end of the day.
    The kitchen and other shared spaces should be kept clean and wiped down regularly
    throughout the day with disinfectant.
    Artists are encouraged to disinfect any high-touch surfaces they may have been using in. their
    space throughout the day (operating desks, light switches, doorknobs, etc.) as part of their end-
    of-day procedures.

Hygiene & Cleaning Protocols
           (cont.)

Level 2 + 2.5
At Level 2, all the above protocols remain in place. In addition to this, FOH staff (and anyone else
available at the time) are encouraged to complete the following either while shows are in session,
or between showtimes where possible:

   Staff must wear face masks when on-site, and our artists and patrons are encouraged to do so
   also.
   High-touch areas should be wiped down with a wet cloth and disinfected regularly - this means
   during the day, as well as between shows each night and as part of our closing procedures for
   the night. High-touch areas include doorknobs, light switches, handrails, EFTPOS terminals,
   tabletops, theatre armrests and any other areas deemed necessary by the Technical &
   Facilities Manager.

Level 3 + 4
Assuming there is time to do so, staff should complete the following under the guidance of the
Technical & Facilities Manager:

   All theatre spaces are to be “deep-cleaned”:
        High-touch areas wiped down and sanitised
        Seating block to be sanitised; after sanitising the seats and armrests, vacuum/mop the
        seating block thoroughly
        Operating consoles to be wiped down and sanitised
        Floor to be swept/vacuumed/mopped
   All common areas to be tidied + sanitised
        Staff members are responsible for taking care of their own workspace.
        The kitchen should be cleaned and sanitised; this means dishes all dishes are washed,
        bench is wiped down and disinfected.
        Dressing room surfaces should be wiped down and sanitised before being vacuumed; this
        includes any upholstery and other high-touch surfaces.
        The foyer should be cleaned thoroughly; wipe down all surfaces, sanitise upholstery, sweep
        and mop floors.
        Bathrooms should be cleaned thoroughly, starting with sinks and other high-touch areas,
        then moving onto cleaning the toilets, before being mopped with disinfectant or bleach
        solution.
   Rubbish/recycling/composting/sanitary bins to be disposed of
   High-touch areas should be wiped down and disinfected; this includes light-switches,
   doorknobs, security panels, tip jars, handrails, tabletops, benches, the foyer watercooler,
   EFTPOS terminals, etc.

If BATS becomes a
                          location of interest
 https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-information-specific-audiences/covid-

 19-general-cleaning-and-disinfection-advice/cleaning-following-confirmed-or-probable-case-covid-19

Should someone infected with COVID-19 visit BATS and we be listed as a Location of Interest, the following

cleaning procedures should be enacted immediately as outlined by the Ministry of Health:

Gather the items needed for cleaning before entering the area and cleaning begins, including:

        personal protective equipment (PPE)

        cleaning equipment and solutions

        rubbish waste bag.

After putting on PPE, enter the area and commence cleaning.

   1.        Remove all linen (bedding, towels, cushion covers and other fabrics) for washing and put in plastic bag

        (or non-porous container with lid) for transport to laundry room. Use a washing machine and detergent

        to   wash   thoroughly   with   the   warmest    temperature       recommended         on     the   item’s   label.   If   you   use   a

        commercial company to undertake your laundry, follow the companies process for soiled contaminated

        laundry.

  2.         Remove all table-top appliances, crockery and cutlery and place in non-porous, covered container for

        transport to dishwasher/kitchen. Clean all table-top appliances (eg, kettle) according to instructions.

        Clean all household items, such as dishes, cups, eating utensils thoroughly, preferably in a commercial

        dishwasher.

  3.         Clean inside and outside of all large kitchen appliances (eg, refrigerator, oven)

  4. Clean all ‘high-touch’ surfaces, such as counters, cupboards, tabletops, doorknobs, and light switches.

  5. Clean bathroom fixtures, showers and toilets with a separate set of cleaning equipment (disposable

        cleaning cloths, etc) using disinfectant or bleach solution. Toilets should be the last item in bathroom to

        clean.

  6.         Remove and dispose of gloves, wash hands with soap and water and dry thoroughly with clean towel

        or paper towel then put on clean gloves

  7.         Vacuum the carpet. Steam cleaning of carpets and rugs is not required.

  8.         For hard floor surfaces, clean the floor with the prepared disinfectant or bleach solution, starting from

        one end of the premises to another (from the far side of the room working your way to the exit/door).

  9.         At the end of cleaning, remove all used gowns, facemasks, gloves and other contaminated items and

        place in a lined container before disposing of them with other household/general waste. Wash your

        hands immediately after handling these items.

Event sector voluntary code
  BATS follows the NZ Events Sector Voluntary Code:
               www.majorevents.govt.nz/thecode