While no one in our industry could have planned for the disruption of the coronavirus, we believe it is possible to develop plans for recovery from the pandemic. To do so, BLO envisioned a group – led by long-time BLO consulting physician Dr. Susan Bennett – that would serve in an advisory role, and help us identify and assess the risks, concerns, and workplace/performance issues affecting the return of our business.
The overall objective of this group is to provide updated insight into evolving COVID19 health developments that will guide Boston Lyric Opera’s ongoing decision making, and help to define practical health and safety parameters of the various stages of returning to live performances – with specific focus on singers, orchestra players, and all artists and creative personnel assembling for rehearsal and performances.
With this information, we aim to ensure our production and performance work is done in the safest, healthiest, and most comfortable environments possible. BLO’s immediate needs are focused on the health and economic risk assessment for next season, from July 2020 to May 2021, with an eye toward the 2021/22 season.
Goals:
- Work directly with professionals in medicine, performance, administration, and other areas to understand current circumstances, identify concerns, and seek clarifications.
- Create a plan for clear communication on protocols that BLO will take to ensure ongoing safety and protection of performers, artists, staff, and audience, and to define roles and responsibilities for these individuals and the Company.
The Task Force will work to address the following issues:
- Health and safety concerns (approaches to testing and distancing, the likelihoods of vaccine and treatment)
- Rehearsal and performance protocols and readiness
- Realities of producing live performances in the 2020/21 Season (small scale events and larger events)
- Planning for emergency scenarios (onsite infection, coronavirus surge)
- Issues of liability and responsibility (testing, PPE, etc.)
- Other considerations
BLO will maintain a connection with this group through regular communications, seeking advice on specific situations, or to reconvene in order to address urgent related issues.