COVID-19 Safety Policies

Washington Improv Theater is committed to the safety and well-being of everyone who interacts with our programming. This set of COVID-19 safety policies was last updated on July 1, 2023 and is subject to change based on recommendations and/or requirements from the federal government, DC officials, or based on WIT's own specific circumstances. We currently have a "Masks Recommended" (but not required) policy that applies to all students, performers, staff, volunteers, and audience members.

What you need to know before coming to a WIT show or student showcase

Overview

  • WIT’s performances are currently held at Studio Theatre. Student showcases will be held at Studio Theatre unless otherwise noted.
  • As of July 1, 2023, WIT’s masking policy for audiences, performers, staff, and volunteers is:  “Masks Recommended” but no longer required.
  • As of March 2023, WIT does not have a vaccine requirement to see shows.
  • Anyone who is auditioning or performing is still required to show proof of initial COVID-19 vaccination plus at least one booster shot. The same policy applies for people enrolled in a WIT class or workshop.
  • “Improv for All,” events do not have vaccination requirements.
  • WIT continues to encourage the use of medical-grade (surgical or N-95) masks by all.

Encouraging Performers to Test

WIT encourages all performers to take a home COVID-19 test before stepping on stage, especially if they have been traveling or otherwise interacting with people with whom they don’t normally spend time.

As always, the safety, comfort, and well-being of our community is of the greatest importance. If you have any questions, please reach out to us at wit@witdc.org.

What you need to know before coming to a class

Vaccination and Masking Overview

  • As of November 16, 2023, WIT no longer requires proof of vaccination plus booster shot to be uploaded at time of registration in order to participate in classes.
  • WIT will require students to acknowledge that they have been fully vaccinated (a completed initial series plus booster shot) at time of registration, but proof will no longer be verified by WIT staff.
  • As of winter 2023, all classes have been designated as “Mask Optional.” This means it is up to each individual class participant to choose whether or not to wear a mask.

WIT strongly encourages students and teachers to be up-to-date with Covid-19 vaccinations in an aim to keep all members of our community safe and healthy.

Vaccination remains an important tool to protect people from serious illness. However, we are no longer in the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Individuals are now used to making their own choices to protect themselves and those around them. Vaccination timelines now vary widely among individuals, and newer shots are no longer called boosters. Therefore, enforcing one identical standard for everyone is no longer really possible.

On top of this, the task of individually verifying each student’s vaccination records placed a considerable burden on staff.

WIT still cares very much about the health of all students and teachers. Any student or teacher who feels ill is still urged to STAY HOME and to conduct a COVID test before rejoining the class.

Exemptions, etc.

Changes to COVID policy

WIT will remain responsive to guidance from public health officials and local officials in setting our policies. Our policies may become more strict or relaxed as the public health situation develops.

WIT@Work

WIT@Work’s seminar/workshop leaders are fully vaccinated and boosted. We will follow the COVID protocols set by the client and host venue. We have led many virtual WIT@Work sessions; in-person events can usually be converted to Zoom-based virtual trainings as requested.

Exemptions

For classes, WIT can make booster shot exemptions for students with a proven medical reason. Students must submit a negative rapid test result within two hours of each class session. For more specific questions on exemptions, email wit@witdc.org.