What will my concert experience be like?
The Florida Orchestra is thrilled to welcome you back! For maximum safety and flexibility, we are approaching our 2020/21 season in phases. Music Director Michael Francis is dividing musicians into smaller ensembles for shorter concerts with no intermission, open to limited audiences exclusively at the Duke Energy Center for the Arts/Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg. The concert experience will be different from your last visit, but you will not be disappointed by the outstanding music.
Even though Florida is easing restrictions, TFO will be extra cautious and follow CDC guidelines for now, in conjunction with our partners at The Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg. Our top priority is the health and safety of our guests, musicians and staff. Here are the changes you can expect at our concerts:
PARKING NOTE: Valet will NOT be available. Parking is $10 cash only for the Mahaffey parking lot and garage. Please use the First Street or Dali Museum entrances.
FACE MASKS ARE REQUIRED
- Face masks covering the nose and mouth will be required for guests, staff and musicians at all times in the Mahaffey Theater. Please bring your own mask; disposable ones will be provided if necessary.
- Masks may only be removed briefly to drink beverages. Please note, drinks are not allowed into the theater. Woodwind and brass musicians will remove masks to play.
WELCOME TO THE MAHAFFEY THEATER
- All concerts will be performed only at the Mahaffey Theater.
- Upon arrival, all patrons will enter through Atrium doors on the southeast side of the Mahaffey for security checks. To minimize contact, patrons are encouraged to bring small bags or none at all.
- All guests will have touchless temperature checks.
- Tickets will be checked but not touched or torn.
- Stanchions, directional signs and reminders will be posted throughout the venue to guide patrons in maintaining a physical distance of 6 feet.
- To reduce contact in the lobby, plexiglass and touchless pay systems have been installed at bar areas and concierge desk. Drinks may not be taken into the theater.
IN THE CONCERT HALL
- Reserved seats are assigned in pairs at least 6 feet apart. Musicians will be seated at least 12 feet from the nearest patron.
- Maximum audience capacity is 25 percent.
- All concerts will be shorter, about 75 minutes, with no intermission.
- Smaller ensembles ranging from 20-40 musicians will be on stage to allow for extra spacing.
- Concert programs will not be printed. Printable program notes and other concert information will be easily accessible at FloridaOrchestra.org and can be viewed on your smart phone.
- Live Pre-concert Conversations for the Masterworks and Coffee series are on hold for now.
NEW CLEANING MEASURES
- The Mahaffey Theater is implementing strict new cleaning procedures for before and between concerts, including long-lasting disinfectant spray in the theater, lobby and backstage. All high-touch areas, including seat armrests, will be cleaned between concerts.
- Touchless paper towel and soap dispensers have been installed in the restrooms. Numerous hand sanitizer stations are located throughout the building.
VENTILATION
- The ventilation system meets or exceeds all federal, state and local guidelines. The system uses HEPA filters with a MERV rating of 13 combined with regular sanitization of the evaporator coils.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
- When attending the concert, please wear your mask, wash your hands, and keep your distance.
- The Florida Orchestra encourages anyone who is feeling ill or has been in contact with someone who has been feeling ill in the last 14 days to not attend events and monitor their health.
COVID-19 WARNING
An inherent risk of exposure to the novel coronavirus/Covid-19 exists in any public place where people are present. Covid-19 is a highly contagious disease that may result in personal injury, severe illness, and death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, senior citizens and persons with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable. Please visit the CDC’s website for its current guidance on people at increased risk for severe illness and other people who should take extra precautions. By attending a performance of The Florida Orchestra, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to Covid-19. Please help keep each other safe.
