COVID-19 Updates

Beginning March 21, 2022, the province of Ontario has lifted mask-mandate policies in most settings that are not high-risk. While our staff will continue wearing masks while serving customers at this time, we will not impose mask mandates on guests, recognizing that most guests will choose to continue wearing masks for the time being. We maintain our enhanced cleaning protocols, improved HVAC and air filtration and hand-sanitizing stations throughout the cinemas and will continue to look to the Chief Medical Officers of Health at all levels of government for guidance.


Effective March 1, 2022

In accordance with guidance in public health policy from the Province of Ontario, as of March 1, 2022, the Playhouse Cinema will no longer require patrons to show Proof of Vaccination to attend screenings.

Concessions are available and may be consumed on site. Masks are required to enter the building and are mandatory at all times for all patrons and staff. Masks must be worn at at all times unless actively eating or drinking while seated in the auditoriums.


Effective Sunday, Dec 19, 2021, the Playhouse will be reduced to 50% capacity and no food or beverages may be consumed on the premises.

Additionally, in accordance with new provincial rules, beginning January 4th, 2022 we can only accept vaccine certificates with scannable QR codes as a valid proof of vaccination. Government issued IDs will continue to be required. At the box office, please have ready:

- Physical OR digital proof of vaccination WITH scannable QR code.

- Photo ID

Masks must be worn in the cinema at all times.

To access your vaccination record and get the QR code, visit the Ontario website. You may also call the provincial vaccine centre at 1-833-943-3900 to have your QR code certificate mailed to you. Many library branches can assist with printing the document.

Any exemptions must now be approved and verified by the provincial health department, and will have its own QR code certificate.


Beginning Wednesday, September 22, 2021, as per Ontario Government mandate, all cinemas in Ontario will require proof of full COVID-19 vaccination (2nd dose plus 14 days).

When coming to the Playhouse, please make sure to bring the following and have ready at the box office:

  • your physical proof of vaccination
  • photo ID

Access your vaccination record at this link.

Children under 12 who cannot yet be vaccinated may attend accompanied by a fully-vaccinated adult.

If you cannot provide proof of full vaccination with ID, unfortunately, we cannot admit you.

Please arrive at least 15-30 minutes before showtime, and have your proof of vaccination and photo ID ready.

Masks continue to be required for all audience members in the building, including in your seat when not actively eating or drinking.

We have upgraded the filtration in our HVAC systems, and our screenings continue to be capped at 50% capacity.

We look forward to seeing you back at the cinema!

Please continue reading for all our increased safety measures in response to COVID-19.


July 16, 2021

Dear Playhouse Friends,

Welcome to the reopening of the Playhouse in 2021

It's been a long-time coming! During this period of closure, we have been diligently working and implementing all the safety protocols to keep our community healthy and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

This is what we have done for reopening compliance:

For those who attended screenings with us last summer our policies will be much the same.

In order to maintain physical distancing in the auditorium, there will be 64 seats available for all shows (23% of our total capacity). Seats are arranged in pairs, with a total of just 32 pairs to choose from. Seats will be offered on a first-come-first-serve basis so we highly encourage folks to purchase their tickets and snacks in advance from our website!

Masks will still be required at all times in the cinema, except when eating or drinking. We will maintain best hygiene and disinfection practices including spacing showtimes to allow time for disinfecting, healthy ventilation to the auditorium, plexiglass at our snackbar, physical distancing while cueing in the lobby, and frequent disinfection of high-touch spots in all public areas.

What happens after "Step 3"?

According to a statement from Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health, the next step in the reopening process (possibly as early as August 6th and until certain vaccine thresholds are met) will see the vast majority of public health and workplace safety measures, including indoor capacity limits lifted. You can read more about vaccine thresholds that must be met for the final the lifting of public health measures here.

We can't say much about restrictions until clarity is provided on what this final 'step' will look like, but we anticipate returning to full capacity screenings when that time comes.

Here are a few more safety measures you can still expect at the Playhouse during this phase of reopening... 

- Ensured ample physical distancing by cordoning off "no sit" zones in the cinemas -- available seats are distanced a minimum 2 metres apart.

- Placed markers and signs in the cinemas to remind patrons of 2 metre physical distancing.

- Hand-sanitizers for guest use.

- Trained staff in increased cleaning and preventative hygiene measures, including the wearing of masks, frequent and effective hand-washing and social distancing protocols at all times. Additionally, all our staff are vaccinated!

- Increased fresh air ventilation and upgraded HVAC filtration in the cinema.

Along with...

- Concession combos have been added to our advance ticket option, and we would encourage patrons to purchase tickets in advance, as seating is limited. We do not have reserved seating selection at this time, so we would kindly ask guests to arrive at least 15 minutes before showtime. Restricted seating areas are clearly marked with yellow caution tape.

- If you cannot purchase tickets online, we always will allow them to be bought at the door, just keep in-mind demand and capacity limits. 

- Patrons are permitted to use the "emergency exits" to the right of the screen at the end of the film, if they wish. The emergency exit opens to our parking lot, please mind the step outside the door. We ask that patrons be patient during exiting, and do so in an orderly fashion, maintaining 6-feet separation.

We can't wait to see you again!

Sincerely,

Jacob and everyone at the Playhouse

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