LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kentucky Performing Arts announced Friday it is requiring guests who attend indoor performances at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts, the Brown Theatre and Old Forester's Paristown Hall to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test.

"With the rise of COVID-19 cases and the increasing threat of the delta variant, we are putting these protocols in place to create the safest possible environment,” said President and CEO Kim Baker. “This is a necessary step for Kentucky Performing Arts to continue to deliver upon its mission of building lifelong relationships with the arts and remain an economic driver for our city and state.” 

The policy will begin on Oct. 1, 2021. Guests will be required to be fully vaccinated with the Moderna, Pfizer or Johnson & Johnson vaccine, and they must show proof of vaccination at their time of entry. Kentucky Performing Arts said fully vaccinated means a guest has received their second dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine, or their single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, at least 14 days before the performance date.

Unvaccinated guests will be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken with 72 hours of the performance time. The requirement also applies to those between the ages of 5 and 12, but not those under the age of 5. Kentucky Performing Arts said the tests must be conducted by a third-party medical laboratory and self-administered tests will not be accepted.

Kentucky Performing Arts is also requiring mask-wearing inside its venues.

All staff and volunteers in Kentucky Performing Arts venues are also required to be fully vaccinated, and regular testing will be utilized "to ensure everyone backstage remains healthy," Kentucky Performing Arts said.

“The arts sector brings millions of dollars to the local and state economy every year and will be a key to the revitalization of Downtown Louisville,” Baker added. “We want to ensure the arts and cultural community remains strong and accessible”.

Kentucky Performing Arts added it will regularly evaluate and adjust based on community health data and public health and government guidance. While individual organizations and events may have additional audience requirements, ticket buyers will be alerted to any additional requirements before the event date.