New Jersey’s largest performing arts center will remain closed until at least the fall due to COVID-19 safety concerns.

Thousands of people visit the NJPAC in Newark each year to enjoy music, comedy and dance. CEO John Schreiber says that when the center does finally open, audiences will have a different experience due to new safety protocols.

“That will certainly include temperature checks at the door for patrons. It will include mandatory wearing of masks, possibly gloves,” he says.

Schreiber says that he expects that audience sizes will be limited for social distancing.

“We are guided by the CDC. We’re guided by the governor, we’re guided by the mayor and that date, of course, has to be flexible,” Schreiber says.

NJPAC has furloughed nearly 200 part-time employees since the shutdown. Its educational programs are continuing online.

Schreiber says that he hopes that the center can reopen by September.