SCOTTSDALE, AZ — After months of public safety planning amid a pandemic, the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts is finally ready to reopen to the public.
The center was among the first businesses to close, and is one of the last to reopen. "The fall seems like a really good time to just ease back in and bring some of our local performers back," said Abbey Messmer, programming director for the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.
The theater had to close its doors just as they were about to start celebrating the 50th anniversary of the community's annual arts festival.
"Since then, we've been hard at work trying to figure out how to come back, and just knowing when that moment is," said Messmer.
Some of the new safety measures the public can expect to see in place when the facility reopens include sanitation stations, plexiglass in front of registers, mandatory mask usage, and timed entry into the theater for performances.
The first performance scheduled to take place at the theater is "Jazz Con Alma" on Saturday, September 26. Beth Lederman, band leader for "Jazz Con Alma," said they were excited to be performing for a live audience once again.
"Not only have the last few months been frustrating and tough for us, but we also feel music is an important part of healing the world, keeping us all balanced, reminding us of all the good things that are happening in life," added Lederman.
She commended staff at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts for involving their artists in the decision-making process, and what they needed to feel safe.
Messmer said artists who have been streaming concerts over the summer have been socially distanced on stage, and wear masks until it is time to perform.
visit their website.
Once the theater reopens, you can expect to see it filled to half capacity as seats will be spaced out between families or groups, said Messmer.
"We do have streaming options for almost all of the events in the fall as well," she added.
To learn more about their safety protocols, or gets ticket to a live or streamed event, visit their website.
