your comfort and safety is very important to us
During and after these unprecedented times, your peace of mind as a student, parent, actor, director, designer, instructor, or patron is very important to us.
As such, we have implemented several changes to our theatre unlike any other in RVA, that will allow us to SAFELY, be in-person. These changes are outlined below. These changes will be applicable whether for Covid, Flu, or the common cold. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have. Also, our resident Engineer's bio is on our "staff" page if you have any questions regarding his education and experience background. We appreciate your cooperation. THANK YOU!
The need for air flow, ventilation and filtration is just now making headlines. While everyone has been talking about sanitation practices, masking, and social distancing, which granted, are very important, a greater conversation has started to take place, one that we at HATTheatre were already having back in spring of 2020. Here is a great article that actually addresses what we did with our venue.
STATE MANDATES HAVE BEEN LIFTED. BELOW ARE OUR ADJUSTED REQUIREMENTS:
As such, we have implemented several changes to our theatre unlike any other in RVA, that will allow us to SAFELY, be in-person. These changes are outlined below. These changes will be applicable whether for Covid, Flu, or the common cold. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have. Also, our resident Engineer's bio is on our "staff" page if you have any questions regarding his education and experience background. We appreciate your cooperation. THANK YOU!
The need for air flow, ventilation and filtration is just now making headlines. While everyone has been talking about sanitation practices, masking, and social distancing, which granted, are very important, a greater conversation has started to take place, one that we at HATTheatre were already having back in spring of 2020. Here is a great article that actually addresses what we did with our venue.
- AIR FILTRATION & AIR MOVEMENT CONTROL: The theatre has been engineered and designed to have a very clean environment using a system of fans, filters, and air flow control. The theatre HVAC system has been modified with MERV 13 Filtration and directed and controlled air flow such that it is no longer a conventional commercial building HVAC system, but instead is extremely effective at cleaning the air in the space, and will keep it clean even when occupied by groups of people. As the only theatre in RVA to institute this type of advanced environmental design, one that uses directed and managed air flow and filtration similar to a cleanroom*, the purpose is to keep those in the theatre from breathing the same air. In addition we are also using UVC Light Technology to clean the air even more, before it goes into the filtration system. We are confident we are able to offer a safe space for shows and in-person classes, for all who walk though our doors. This has been in the works for several months. See the Science behind these changes below. Note that the EPA says that air scrubbers and air purifiers help, but without addressing air flow (which we have done), they only go so far, and do not address viral droplet spread. WE have taken that extra step beyond just air cleaning, so that the air inside the theatre does not blow directly from person to person.
- FAR-UVC TECHNOLOGY: Far-UVC technology has been shown in studies to kill viruses. Since this virus, as well as others, can be spread in aerosols and droplets, it is necessary to have something in our space that can help to inactivate the virus while it is in the air circulating. This technology is used on mass transit, in hospitals, for ambulances, offices, etc. We too use this technology in conjunction with our Air Movement Control and Filtration. We have two UVC Light Units. One is under the riser area for audiences. One targets the stage areas. Typical air purifier units and HVAC systems are definitely useful, designed to filter and ventilate air well. BUT even the finest filters can’t stop atomic sized bacteria and viruses. These devices DO, and therefore are a great extra add on because they target and stop bacteria and viruses from circulating. These units sanitize air and environmental surfaces. The 72Watt bulbs emit UV-C light of 254nm. At that wavelength, the emitted light is able to penetrate and kill the DNA of these atomic sized organisms (viruses and bacteria), that create problems for humans. This wavelength causes lesions in DNA and RNA. Enough exposure to UVC-254 damages the DNA and RNA so that they can't replicate, effectively killing or inactivating a microorganism or virus. They also act to eliminate mold spores, yeast, and fungi. One of these UVC units treats approx 2400 square feet, and we will have TWO of them for 1500 Square Feet. Check out some of these units, plus others available, at Cure UV
STATE MANDATES HAVE BEEN LIFTED. BELOW ARE OUR ADJUSTED REQUIREMENTS:
- Wall mounted hand sanitizer stations will still be prominent and available at all times.
- Surface sanitizing will continue to be done as per CDC guidelines.
- For Adult Classes: Those who are vaccinated do not need to wear a mask. Those adults who are not vaccinated are required to wear a mask inside until further notice. For YOUTH Classes: Children in class and camps are not required to wear a mask, they are optional for this age. No gaiters or bandanas permitted. Here is a video regarding the effectiveness of different kinds of masks. NOTE: If the number of cases in our part of Virginia rise, and CDC guidelines change, we reserve the right to require children who are un-vaccinated to wear a mask. We also reserve the right to have anyone in the theatre, regardless of vaccination or natural immunity status, to wear a mask if the situation warrants.
- Social Distancing is not required. Our system was engineered to account for people being closer together.
- Patrons of shows: Masks are optional.
- Actors, Directors, and all those employed for productions in our Mainstage Series: All are required to be fully vaccinated
- If anyone is sick, they are required to stay home. If anyone tests positive for the virus, you must alert us as soon as possible.
- Check out the video below that outlines our policies and shows the effectiveness of our measures.
- NOTE: The video was created when mandates were in place, but the vapor test still applies. * Cleanrooms are specially constructed or designed environmentally controlled enclosed spaces, where the concentration of airborne particles (contaminants) is kept within specified limits. In industry, cleanrooms are used in the manufacturing of electronic hardware such as integrated circuits (ICs) and hard drives. In biotechnology and medicine (hospitals) , cleanrooms are used when it is necessary to ensure an environment free of bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens. There are many classifications of cleanrooms depending on what they are used for.
THE SCIENCE:
Confirmation Calculations
| covid-19_indoor_safety_guideline_v5_hatt_12-1-20.pdf |
| covid-19_indoor_safety_guideline_v5_green_room_12-2-20.pdf |
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Policies and Effectiveness of our Air Filtration and Air Movement Control, with enhanced UVC-Light Units |