Covid-19

November 13, 2020

College Light Opera Company is committed to providing the safest possible working and living environment for our 2021 Company with continually evolving COVID-19 protocols that go above and beyond state requirements.  Although the scope of the pandemic is likely to change in the months leading up to our 2021 season, we would like to share a quick overview of some of the precautions we are implementing on campus:

• The 2021 Company has been reduced to ensure we can adhere to social distancing needs both on campus and in performance.
• Students must provide proof of a negative test prior to arrival on campus and all company members will participate in self-screening throughout the summer, as well as a schedule of COVID testing arranged by CLOC (test provider and frequency is yet to be finalized).
• Mask use will be required at all times in common areas, during rehearsals, and in performance.
• Sanitation rounds will be established to ensure commonly touched surfaces are wiped down frequently.
• All company members will be educated on our safety protocols and best practices for shared work and rehearsal spaces.
• Company members will be housed with only one roommate each, limiting the scope of close exposure.
• Bathrooms will be assigned to roommate groups and shower schedules will be established.  Outdoor showers will remain for free use as available.
• We are removing old office partitions to expand our dining room and allow more distancing space during meals, during which company members will be seated in pre-determined groups to limit exposure between departments.  Students will also have the option to take their meals outdoors as weather permits.
• Serving of meals will be handled by table instead of the typical walk-though self-serve.
• John R. Lucas Hall will be complete and in operation, providing an expansive rehearsal space where distancing is better accommodated.
• Infirmary sleeping quarters will be established to isolate suspected cases of illness, but there will also be campus quarantine policies ready to go into effect in the event of a confirmed case.

These are only some of the changes the 2021 Company can anticipate.  The CLOC COVID-19 Taskforce meets on a regular basis to assess current conditions and develop methods for moving forward.  This page may be updated from time to time as we finalize our policies, and accepted students can expect to receive a 2021-specific CLOC COVID-19 Safety Handbook along with their contract materials.
Separate policies are being developed for use at Highfield Theatre to protect audience and performers alike.  If you are looking for information about what to expect as an audience member in 2021, keep an eye on our website and social media.  We will be sharing detailed policies as soon as our Taskforce can finalize our course of action at the theatre facility.
This effort will require cooperation and vigilance on everyone’s part.  Together we can show that this is possible – that theatre and the arts are needed and wanted – that a community of performers and technicians can come together to overcome adversity and celebrate their craft.  The College Light Opera Company is looking toward the future and we are excited to launch into a new era with the talent and enthusiasm we know our 2021 Company will bring to the table!
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Kristin Knutson
Production Manager/Technical Director
COVID-19 Safety Officer