COVID-19 policies for many of New Jersey’s live performance venues are changing to require proof of the vaccine and masking indoors.

New Brunswick’s State Theatre is currently undergoing a major renovation. But once audiences return in the fall, ticket holders will see lots of changes, not only related to the renovations. The nonprofit theater will also require proof of a COVID-19 vaccine or a negative PCR test to see a show. Audiences will also have to wear masks.

“We felt that a lot of people were delaying their ticket purchases because of the uncertainty with everything that is going on with the variants,” says theater CEO and president Sarah Chaplin. “We feel this actually will encourage people, make them feel safe.”

Chaplin says that while some potential customers could be put off by the new rules, many will respect the policies.

The State Theatre is not alone in its decision. Vaccine and mask mandates are becoming the norm of performance venues across New Jersey. The Basie in Red Bank, MayoPAC in Morristown, NJ PAC in Newark, SOPAC in South Orange have all adopted similar policies.

These new policies follow Broadway’s vaccine and masking policies. Other New Jersey theaters reopening soon are expected to also announce new rules.

The nation's two largest concert promoters, Live Nation and AEG, have also announced a vaccine mandate at their venues.