Welcoming You Back, Safely
Update to the Cape Symphony’s Health and Safety Policies
We’re looking forward to seeing you at the Barnstable Performing Arts Center and performing for you again! Recent trends in the COVID-19 pandemic are concerning, so we are taking additional steps to ensure that we can welcome you back safely, with the health and well-being of our customers, staff, and community as our number one priority.
Please review these updated safeguards in place for our concerts this fall:
Vaccination Policy
All Cape Symphony concert attendees at the Barnstable Performing Arts Center will be required to provide proof of vaccination and identification upon arrival at every performance, with exceptions for children under the age of 12 and people with a medical condition or closely held religious belief that prevents vaccination.
Attendees who fall into one of these exception categories must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test (either a PCR test taken within 72 hours of the performance start time, or an antigen test taken within 24 hours of the performance start time). COVID-19 tests must be administered by a third party. Self-administered tests (like an at-home kit from a drugstore) will not be accepted. Note that we won’t ask you to identify why you fall into an exception category.
Proof of full vaccination is defined as two weeks after your final shot against COVID-19, either in the form of a physical vaccination card or a photo of the card.
Please do not email your proof in advance; everyone will be required to stop at the check-in table.
NEW! All attendees will need to enter the Barnstable Performing Arts Center through the front door facing West Main Street. We’ll have staff stationed at the entrance to greet you. Please plan to arrive early if possible
Mask Policy
All Cape Symphony concert attendees at the Barnstable Performing Arts Center will be required to wear a mask at all times, regardless of vaccination status, unless the attendee is exempt from wearing a mask due to a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.).
Concession Stand Closed
The concession stand will not be open at Cape Symphony concerts for the time being. There is a vending machine and a drinking fountain in the lobby.
Barnstable and Falmouth Campuses Policy
The CDC recommends universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to schools, regardless of vaccination status. The Cape Symphony is following these guidelines at our Barnstable and Falmouth campuses. When you visit our buildings, please wear a mask and please provide a mask for your student(s).
In our preschool program, children five years old and under are encouraged to wear a mask, but are not required to. This decision is left to the discretion of the child’s parent. Children six years old and older are required to wear a mask.
Crescendo Gala Policy
Please visit the Crescendo: An Evening of Joy page to find details on our Health & Safety Policy for this special event.
All Cape Symphony staff and musicians have provided proof of vaccination, and will wear masks at Cape Symphony concerts. (Note that the wind players will not be masked on stage).
We will continue to follow public health guidance and government requirements, and promptly communicate with our customers about any changes. You will find frequently asked questions and answers below.
Taking good care of ourselves and each other means that we can experience the joy of live music and learning together again. Thank you for your consideration and collaboration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Cape Symphony have a vaccination requirement?
Recent trends in the COVID-19 pandemic are concerning, so we are taking this additional step to ensure that we can move forward safely together. Similar policies are in place at venues across Cape Cod and across the country. Everyone’s health and safety is our top priority.
When and where will I show my vaccine card and ID?
Attendees will be asked to present their documentation upon entry to the Barnstable Performing Arts Center.
What vaccine documentation will you accept?
The following documentation is acceptable:
- Vaccination card (which includes name of person vaccinated, type of vaccine provided and date last dose administered) OR
- A photo of a vaccination card as a separate document OR
- A photo of the attendee’s vaccine card stored on a phone or electronic device OR
- Use of a Digital Vaccination Passport app OR
- Documentation of vaccination from a healthcare provider electronic health record or state Immunization Information System record.
Matching photo ID will be required at the door. Self-reported vaccination records that are not verified by a health care provider will not be accepted.
Do I need to show my vaccine card every time I see a show?
Yes, we will need to verify your vaccine status for every Cape Symphony concert.
Will this policy apply to all concerts this season?
This policy is currently set to start with our September 11th and 12th concert. We will continue to follow the guidance of health and safety officials and will reevaluate these policies over time.
I am not vaccinated. Can I take my own rapid test and bring the results as proof of a negative test?
In order to attend a Cape Symphony concert at the Barnstable Performing Arts Center, you must be vaccinated. The only exceptions are:
- attendees under the age of 12, who must be accompanied by an adult that meets our venue’s vaccination requirements; or
- attendees who need reasonable accommodations due to a medical exception or a sincerely held religious belief
Attendees who are not able to be vaccinated for these reasons must provide proof of one of the following instead of evidence of vaccination:
- negative COVID-19 antigen test taken within 24 hours of the performance start time, or
- negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of the performance start time.
Covid tests must be administered by a third party. Self-administered tests will not be accepted.
I’m bringing my 11 and under children who can’t get vaccinated. Do they need a test?
Yes. Attendees under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult that meets our venue’s vaccination requirements, and the adult must provide proof of the following for the child:
- negative COVID-19 antigen test taken within 24 hours of the performance start time, or
- negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of the performance start time.
My 12-17 year old is vaccinated but does not have an ID – what should I do?
Attendees younger than 18 may present a government-issued photo ID or a school photo ID as an alternative. Attendees younger than 18 who do not have either a government-issued ID or school photo ID can only attend performances in the company of an adult who provides the required ID and vaccine documentation for themselves and can confirm the validity of the minor’s test results or vaccination verification.
Will there be a separate section for vaccinated vs unvaccinated attendees? Social distancing?
No. All events will be sold at full capacity.
What if my child is too young and won’t wear a mask?
All attendees who are unvaccinated are required to wear a mask.
Will the people staffing events be adhering to these protocols?
All staff, musicians, and guest artists working at Cape Symphony concerts will also be required to follow its mandatory vaccination policy and mask policies.
How are you verifying that vaccination documentation is genuine?
We have a fundamental belief that most people are good and honest. In addition to the acceptable forms of vaccination proof we have listed in this policy, we will be checking for matching ID. Those misrepresenting themselves as vaccinated are reminded that doing so is a federal crime. Please note that vaccine verification is one of the safety measures that are being deployed for everyone’s health and safety.
I am not willing to take this step and would like a refund.
We will miss seeing you and are able to offer exchanges into future events, credits, or refunds. Please contact the Box Office at 508.362.1111 or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
