The Kennedy Center is ridiculous for still requiring masks

[Anonymous]

I’m seeing Hamilton this week and did not realize until I received my ‘reminder’ email that this is still a requirement. They have to be one of the only places (with the exception of hospitals/doctor’s offices) to require this!

Will really dampen the experience.

[Anonymous]

I attended a Bar Mitzvah this weekend and the temple is still requiring masks, but only for people who handle the Torah. But not for people who come up front for other reasons. You know, so we don't give Covid to the Torah (??!!) But the Rabbi is allowed to touch it without a mask.

Make it make sense.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m seeing Hamilton this week and did not realize until I received my ‘reminder’ email that this is still a requirement. They have to be one of the only places (with the exception of hospitals/doctor’s offices) to require this!

Will really dampen the experience.

Sounds like the KC knows who butters their bread - old people who are afraid of COVID.

[Anonymous]

I saw a show at the Kennedy Center recently and was yelled at by an usher for not putting my mask on between sips of water (less than 30 seconds). They were pretty militant looking to scold people. Meanwhile I've seen events with celebrities at the Kennedy Center on TV with no masks in site. It's just a way to control people and I'm not going back anytime soon.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m seeing Hamilton this week and did not realize until I received my ‘reminder’ email that this is still a requirement. They have to be one of the only places (with the exception of hospitals/doctor’s offices) to require this!

Will really dampen the experience.

Sounds like the KC knows who butters their bread - old people who are afraid of COVID.

That would be my guess. Their customer base skews older and more vulnerable. Requiring masks so that a KenCen event isn't a super-spreader seems like good customer service, really.

[Anonymous]

The sent out a survey long ago and discovered too many people would not come back unless there were masks required and that patrons did not trust other patrons to self monitor for contagiousness.

Trouble is, if they sent out the same survey today, they would get different answers, but they are operating on the old data.

[Anonymous]

If wearing a mask for a few hours will ruin seeing Hamilton, you need better coping skills.

[Anonymous]

So wear a super loose, breathable mask!

[Anonymous]

Carnegie Hall was the same way this summer. Their gift shop wasn't even open. They were completely understaffed. It was really weird.

Since I'm in the music world, I think that the performers were very hard hit by Covid at the beginning of the pandemic, especially singers/choristers, and since their livelihood and their lives depend on not being out with Covid, and the performing calendar is scheduled sometimes years in advance and it's a huge mess when someone's out, their performing space really needs to be reasonably Covid-free.

Strathmore Music Center recently went mask-optional, but not for the people practicing there: my kid who rehearses in the MCYO orchestra is under a mandatory mask policy, just like last year (where they had a weekly health check-in as well).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If wearing a mask for a few hours will ruin seeing Hamilton, you need better coping skills.

Hamilton is overrated. People say they loved it because they would look like fools for spending that much money to see an average show at best.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If wearing a mask for a few hours will ruin seeing Hamilton, you need better coping skills.

Hamilton is overrated. People say they loved it because they would look like fools for spending that much money to see an average show at best.

You know its $99, right? Hardly a large sum of money. Its like the people complaining about Cirque du Soleil was too expensive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m seeing Hamilton this week and did not realize until I received my ‘reminder’ email that this is still a requirement. They have to be one of the only places (with the exception of hospitals/doctor’s offices) to require this!

Will really dampen the experience.

Sounds like the KC knows who butters their bread - old people who are afraid of COVID.

That would be my guess. Their customer base skews older and more vulnerable. Requiring masks so that a KenCen event isn't a super-spreader seems like good customer service, really.

+1, I think it’s exactly this.

There aren’t very many public spaces where you’re forced to become a “close contact” of the people around you. Theaters, planes, maybe restaurants?

I hate it. I went to see A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the building museum, a huge space, and was required to wear a mask. Awful. I hate them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The sent out a survey long ago and discovered too many people would not come back unless there were masks required and that patrons did not trust other patrons to self monitor for contagiousness.

Trouble is, if they sent out the same survey today, they would get different answers, but they are operating on the old data.

In your opinion. Many of us have avoided covid by masking appropriately. I work in healthcare and wear a mask everyday all day. No covid. Vaccine and masks work. Also consider the age of the Kennedy Center. I cannot imagine their hvac is what is needed for large crowds.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If wearing a mask for a few hours will ruin seeing Hamilton, you need better coping skills.

+ ♾

[Anonymous]

No, it isn't given you can get their staff and actors sick. Stop being selfish.