coronavirus (covid-19) information
This web page provides a source of information related to the novel coronavirus “COVID-19” for the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center and National Theater Institute. The O’Neill will provide updates related to the operation of the Center here, when new information becomes available. As COVID sadly becomes a part of life and the way we work, details about its impact to our programs or events can be found here and on the pages for the program or event.
For the most up-to-date information in this ever-evolving public health crisis, please refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
For specific inquiries not covered below, please contact theaterlives@theoneill.org.
Updated 3/4/2022
In this period of heightened vigilance, the O’Neill has formed a COVID-19 Working Group that meets regularly. We have taken proactive steps and adjusted all activities accordingly, based on guidance and recommendations from local, state, and federal officials. The safety of students, faculty and staff for all of our programs is our paramount concern.
At this time, the O’Neill is a fully vaccinated campus, defined by the CDC as having “received any combination of two doses of an FDA approved/authorized or WHO emergency use listed COVID-19 two-dose series with at least 17 days between doses.” In addition, O’Neill staff members and students have been mandated to have received their booster shot by January 2022.
As we work together to address a myriad of concerns regarding the health and safety of our community, we expect all staff, students, and faculty will remain vigilant against the acts of bias, discrimination, and harassment which have emerged globally due to fear and misinformation about the virus.
We are providing National Theater Institute students with safe, rigorous, and responsive theater training. Here are just some of the ways we are doing that:
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Regular COVID testing for staff, faculty, and students
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Students will work in small classroom settings
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Masks and social distancing are required
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Simultaneous virtual instruction will be available
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Dining facilities will have increased cleaning and additional seating for social distancing
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Social distance indicators on classroom floors
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Maximum capacities in spaces
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Enhanced cleaning procedures and ventilation in all student spaces
Prospective Students:
Our five CT-based programs are on-campus. The Moscow Art Theatre Semester has been paused until 2023.
We understand that this is a really hard time to make plans to study abroad/study away with so many unknowns for the world at large. We’re here to support you and will do everything we can to safely provide the singular theater training experience you’re looking for. If you have questions or concerns please contact NTIAdmissions@theoneill.org
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The O’Neill and National Theater Institute is open for business.
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Employees have the option to work remotely and partake in a hybrid work model.
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Any ill or symptomatic staff member is required to stay home. Paid sick leave is provided.
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We strongly recommend that all employees monitor CDC travel guidelines and follow best practices
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Guests must follow campus COVID guidelines and provide proof of vaccine and/or a negative test prior to arrival.
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Additional guidance has been provided to staff directly.
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All participants of our programs are required to be fully vaccinated (including a booster shot).
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Masks and social distancing are strongly encouraged in group settings, especially while indoors
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At this time of writing, we are continuing to follow federally mandated COVID-19 guidance for indoor performance venues: performers on stage will not be masked. Audience members are expected to be masked and show proof of vaccination.
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Additional guidance to be given on May 24, 2022 or one week prior to your expected arrival date.
