Thoughts on orchestra being blocked off?

I don't know if all shows are blocking off orchestra seats, but this is what Jujamcyn emailed me: "We are currently holding the first few rows in the orchestra off sale as we await further definitive guidance from applicable entities and governmental authorities as to whether a minimum distance must be maintained between performers and audience members. If you purchase other available seats, you can certainly request an exchange if and when the locations you're looking for become available."

Am I the only one who finds this kind of strange? If socially distancing is being abandoned with vaccinations, and implicitly the cast and crew of the shows being vaccinated, isn't it a bit redundant to maintain a minimum distance to the stage? In the least conspiratorial way possible, I get the feeling this is really more attributed to something else than just CDC guidance.

Thoughts?

I never really love sitting in the first few rows. Looking up at the stage strains my neck a little from that vantage point, plus I would risk being spit on.

Give me center, mid-left, or mid-right orchestra anywhere between rows F-J and I'll probably be more comfortable.

Jordan Levinson said: "I never really love sitting in the first few rows. Looking up at the stage strains my neck a little from that vantage point, plus I wouldrisk being spit on.

Give me center, mid-left, or mid-rightorchestraanywhere betweenrows F-J and I'll probably be more comfortable.

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You're definitely not alone in that, when I brought this topic up on Facebook every single person just told me that I didn't want front row anyway lol. For the first time seeing a show I usually try to do box seats, but after that if I really love a show I try to do front orchestra at least once just for the experience.

MattieIce2018 said: "Doesn't seem to be universal - I was able to buy a seat in either the first or second row for Mrs Doubtfire when their reopening was announced. The Sondheim is operated by Roundabout, though, so I'm not sure about any Shubert or Nederlander theaters."

True that the Sondheim is operated by Roundabout, but tickets for Doubtfire are nevertheless being sold through Telecharge.

MattieIce2018 said: "Doesn't seem to be universal - I was able to buy a seat in either the first or second row for Mrs Doubtfire when their reopening was announced. The Sondheim is operated by Roundabout, though, so I'm not sure about any Shubert or Nederlander theaters."

Wait, that's so weird. Does that mean it's not an Equity rule like someone said earlier? I'm not super familar with those things.

Jordan Levinson said: "MattieIce2018 said: "Doesn't seem to be universal - I was able to buy a seat in either the first or second row for Mrs Doubtfire when their reopening was announced. The Sondheim is operated by Roundabout, though, so I'm not sure about any Shubert or Nederlander theaters."

True that the Sondheim is operated by Roundabout, but tickets forDoubtfireare nevertheless being sold through Telecharge."

Yeah, I mentioned Roundabout because the original post was specific to Jujamcyn. I don't think anything has been said about Shubert or Nederlander houses yet, unless I missed something.

CT2NYC said: "Little Shop is also selling all the way to the front row."

So clearly Jujamcyn made this choice themselves. I wonder why they're saying its a CDC thing

veronicamae said: "It is an Equity rule(specifically for COVID time) that 10 feet are needed between actor and audience.

That said, perhaps not all spaces or shows need to block off rows to accomplish this. If I recall, the Kerr stage is quite low and the Sondheim stage is quite high - this might factor into the distance measurement, in addition to how the show itself is blocked.

And I do think those shows that held the first rows will release them as we get nearer to performance dates."

Thank you for the clarification, that makes more sense when you say it

is Doubtfire using the pit for the orchestra, which would automatically allow for 10 feet between stage and the audience, while Moulin Rouge and Hadestown, both Jujamcyn shows, clearly do not?

soulmistin said: "I don't know if all shows are blocking off orchestra seats, but this is what Jujamcyn emailed me: "We are currently holding the first few rows in the orchestra off sale as we await further definitive guidance from applicable entities and governmental authorities as to whether a minimum distance must be maintained between performers and audience members. If you purchase other available seats, you can certainly request an exchange if and when the locations you're looking for become available."

Soumistin, Other shows blocked off first few, including Phantom, Moulin, etc. And yes, it was CDC. Moulin had cafe tables that couldn't be sold for that reason.

I was buying a ticket to Thoughts of a Colored Man and noticed their first row is C, so they are taking at least 2 rows out. For now.

JayElle said: "soulmistin said: "veronicamae said: "It is an Equity rule(specifically for COVID time) that 10 feet are needed between actor and audience.


JuJamcyn DID block off the entire orch for both Moulin and Hades for first night back. Word has it reserved forfirst responders. Makes sense.

Moulinhas the cafe tablesin front ofcenter orch and they're not being sold. I tried & told noorch offered for sale on first night, but put on list for Moulin should that change. I did get a first night Hades, but in a box seat.

Front rows unavailablefrom telecharge shows too, including, Phantom, Girl/No Country, Diana, perhaps more.

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Do you happen to know how first responders receive those tickets? My mother is an EMT and firefighter, and I know she would definitely interested.