Dear OCSA Parents and Students,
We would like to take this opportunity to notify all OCSA families of an important new school policy. The OCSA Board of Trustees has approved an Event Patron and Performer Safety Policy that will apply to all OCSA student performers and event/performance patrons, effective immediately. This policy was put in place in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and as a part of our continued commitment to provide the safest possible environment for all members of our OCSA community.
The following summary provides a quick look at some of the key changes in policy for OCSA event patrons and student performers respectively:
Event Patrons
Effective immediately, all patrons attending an OCSA performance or event must wear medical-grade N95, KN95, or KF94 masks at all times while indoors, regardless of vaccination status. Beginning Monday, January 24, patrons will also be required to present proof of full up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination or proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test, along with photo identification, prior to entering the venue.
Student Performers
Any student performer or student crew member taking part in an OCSA performance or event must participate in weekly COVID-19 testing, regardless of vaccination status. The duration of testing prior to the performance will be established by the OCSA Administrative Team. Additionally, students in select music programs that require the removal of face coverings will engage in weekly COVID-19 testing, regardless of vaccination status. No-cost testing will be provided to students on the OCSA campus on a weekly basis each Friday, beginning Friday, January 28. For performances taking place this week, rapid tests are being provided by the conservatory directors. Students should stay tuned for further communication from their conservatory director regarding COVID-19 testing information specific to their performances and programs.
Why Is This Policy Going Into Effect Now?
Our number one priority is to maintain a safe and healthy environment for OCSA students and staff in all aspects of their school experience. The last thing we want is to return to distance learning or cancel performances because an outbreak occurred amongst cast members for an upcoming show. The enacted policies help to ensure that our performances, a central OCSA experience, are made as safe as possible for student performers, crew, and patrons. Previously established safety protocols have helped to maintain in-person instruction for academic and conservatory classes. That said, the collective health of cast and crew members as well as the collaborative nature of OCSA performances necessitates additional measures to uphold the integrity of each individual production, especially during the current COVID-19 Omicron surge.
