Broadway theatres will remain closed until 2021

Refunds and exchanges will be granted through Jan. 3, 2021, but an official reopening date has not been set.

The Broadway League has extended the theatre shutdown through Jan. 3, 2021, marking the third time the organization has prolonged the closure in line with the government's COVID-19 social distancing guidelines. Theatre owners and producers will refund or exchange tickets for previously purchased tickets through this date, but an official reopening date has not been set. 

Productions are expected to reopen on a rolling basis, and many shows have announced dates for performances to start in 2021. The Minutes and American Buffalo announced openings for March and April 2021 respectively, while the Hugh-Jackman-led revival of The Music Man moved its start date from Septembet 2020 to April 2021. 

"Our membership is working closely with the theatrical unions and in concert with key experts and some of the greatest minds inside and outside of the industry to explore protocols for all aspects of reopening. We are focused on identifying and implementing necessary measures that will enable us to resume performances safely for Broadway audiences and employees," Charlotte St. Martin, President of the Broadway League, said in a statement. "We are determined to bring back the people who rely on this industry for their livelihood, and to welcome back all those who love this vital part of New York City, as soon as it is safe to do so.  As so many of us in the Broadway community have been saying during this time - We'll be back, and we have so many more stories to tell."

The organization is working closely with city and state officials and experts in science, technology, and medicine to develop the best reopening plan. New measures being explored for audiences as well as company members include screening and testing, cleaning and sanitizing, wayfinding in theatres, backstage protocols, and more.  

Broadway productions were suspended on March 12, 2020. Individuals with tickets through Jan. 3, 2021 should expect to be contacted by their point of purchase with information on refunds and exchanges. 

"The Broadway experience can be deeply personal but it is also, crucially, communal," Thomas Schumacher, Chairman of the Board of The Broadway League, said in a statement. "The alchemy of 1,000 strangers bonding into a single audience fueling each performer on stage and behind the scenes will be possible again when Broadway theatres can safely host full houses. Every single member of our community is eager to get back to work sharing stories that inspire our audience through the transformative power of a shared live experience. The safety of our cast, crew, orchestra and audience is our highest priority, and we look forward to returning to our stages only when it's safe to do so. One thing is for sure, when we return we will be stronger and more needed than ever."