Resumption of Indoor Live Performances
(Updated as of 30 December 2020)
1. On 20 October 2020, MOH announced that indoor live performances would be allowed to resume at more venues from 1 November 2020, with up to two zones of 50 audience members. This follows the live performance pilots which were conducted from 11 September.
On 14 December 2020, MOH announced that indoor live performances may have up to 250 members in zones of up to 50 persons each, subject to the prevailing Safe Management Measures (SMMs), from 28 December 2020.
2. This advisory focuses on the safe management measures that arts SEPs should observe for live performances. The full advisory on permitted venues, limits on number of production crew/performers and safe distancing required can be found here on the NAC website.
Safe Management Measures (SMMs)
3. The SMMs for live performances are at Annex A and have been developed with arts and culture stakeholders to ensure the safety of our performers, crews and audiences. They also take into account the learning points from the live performance pilots,
which demonstrated how live performances could be staged safely with appropriate SMMs.
4. In particular, arts SEPs should note that:
• Audience members are to be masked, not move around the venue during the performance and not directly participate in a live performance (e.g. singing or dancing or physical interaction with performers). A safe distance of 3m is to be maintained
between audiences and performers at all times.
• A maximum of 30 performers and crew are allowed on stage and backstage at any given time, with a maximum of 10 performers unmasked at any given time. While the 1m safe distance should be maintained otherwise, transient contact between performers
during a performance is acceptable.
• All unmasked performers engaged in singing and/or the playing of wind/brass instruments should maintain at least 2m safe distance from others. All unmasked performers are also encouraged to wear face shields while performing.
• All performers and crew backstage must remain masked at all times unless absolutely necessary and practice safe distancing of 1m between individuals as far as possible. All equipment technical or otherwise should not be shared, or if unavoidable,
should be disinfected between each new user.
Details of the full "Required Safe Management Measures for Live Performances" is in Annex A below.
5. By 24 November 2020, all persons entering live performance venues are required to check in to SafeEntry through either scanning the QR code using the TraceTogether App on their phone, or by presenting their TraceTogether Token to be scanned. Other
check-in modes, such as using the phone’s camera, SingPass Mobile, other QR code reader apps, or using NRIC/FIN and other photo IDs, will not be accepted. The widespread use of TraceTogether in
these venues will allow quicker contact tracing and ringfencing of any infections.
Venues
6. Permitted venues may host indoor live performances of up to 250 audience members, in zones of up to 50 persons each, if they can adhere to the zoning requirements at Annex B, subject to the venue capacity
and the safe management measures at Paras 3-4 above.
7. The following pre-selected venues may host indoor live performances:
Sector Lead | Venues |
National Arts Council (NAC) (NAC_Feedback@nac.gov.sg) | • Performing arts venues and premises of arts and culture organisations (including opera groups, orchestras, musical bands, choirs, dance groups, dramatic arts and theatrical companies) • Commercial and non-profit art galleries |
National Heritage Board (NHB) (NHB_MR_Secretariat@nhb.gov.sg) | • Museums managed by the National Heritage Board • Museum Roundtable Members |
People's Association (PA) | • Community Centres and venues managed by PA |
Ministry of Education (MOE) | • Private Education Institutions (PEIs)*; • Other private schools** |
Singapore Tourism Board (STB) (leisureevents@stb.gov.sg) | • Other Event Spaces (Annex C) • Hotels (Ballrooms and Function Room Spaces only) |
* Subject to approval by the Committee for Private Education.
** Subject to approval by MOE; permitted entities may write to moe_pss@moe.gov.sg to seek approval.
8. Marriage solemnisations (in indoor venues only), funerals and funerary-related activities may also involve live instrumental music (non-wind only) with the necessary SMMs in place. No other performances (e.g. singing, dancing, variety
act) are allowed. More details on these SMMs can be found here
9. In particular, arts SEPs should also note that Live performances are currently not allowed to resume in food and beverage establishments and wedding receptions regardless of venues, as there is a higher likelihood of mingling, talking and where
food is being consumed with patrons who are unmasked. Higher risk activities such as singing and the playing of wind/brass instruments are also not allowed to resume at corporate/enterprise events (e.g. product launches).
Towards a Safe and Sustainable Re-opening
10. NAC will be piloting larger scale performances at venues that can safely accommodate larger numbers, and at outdoor venues, which are able to ensure safe distance among audience members and safely manage crowds at the periphery. More details
will be made available separately.
11. A safe and sustainable re-opening requires all of us to play our part. It is critical that we continue to exercise caution, adhere to SMMs, and practise social responsibility. Collectively, we can progressively re-open our economy and society
while remaining safe.
12. For queries on the SMMs for live performances in arts venues, please email NAC_Feedback@nac.gov.sg.
Annex A
Required Safe Management Measures for Live Performances
General | • Restrict audience size to a maximum of 100 persons, grouped into two zones of no more than 50 persons each, in adherence with the prevailing zoning requirements (at Annex B), and subject to the venue capacity and safe distancing
requirements.
• Audiences are to comprise no more than 8 persons per group, in line with national guidelines on group size. • There should be no physical interaction or mixing between groups. • Adopt seating arrangements to ensure 1m safe distance between groups of up to 8 all around. • Audience members should be masked. • Audiences are to remain static and not move around the venue during the performance. • While audiences may move from set to set (or point to point) in their groups in-between live performance segments, there are to be no free-standing audiences during a live performance. • No audience participation (e.g. singing or dancing) in a live performance. However, spoken responses while remaining masked are acceptable, but should be kept at a low volume. • No physical interactions between audiences and performers (e.g. autograph/photograph sessions, inviting members of the audience on stage). • A safe distance of 3m is to be maintained between audiences and performers at all times. • Venues without a clearly defined stage area should have floor markings to mark out the 3m safe distance between performers and audience, and ensure that the safe distance is observed. • If the live performance is taking place on a stage which places performers at a higher vantage point, a safe distance of more than 3m is encouraged, due to the trajectory of droplet projection. • Audiences are encouraged to make online ticket purchases and use e-payment methods. • No intermissions and pre/post-performance receptions, in order to reduce congregations of people and audience mingling. • Venues are required to implement TT-only Safe Entry (please click here for the Safe Entry User Guide) to collect personal details (including identification numbers and
mobile numbers) and manage the entry of all persons (including staff, visitors and patrons) into the live performance space. • SafeEntry check-ins can only be completed by either using their TT App to scan the venue’s QR code or presenting the QR codes printed on their TT tokens to be scanned by the venue (in the same way NRIC/FIN/other IDs are now
scanned for entry). • Other check-in modes, such as using phone’s camera, SingPass Mobile or other QR code reader apps, or using NRIC/FIN and other photo IDs, will not be accepted. • Queue lines for audiences should be clearly demarcated at the entrance to performance venues and box offices to ensure 1m spacing between groups. • Sale of merchandise is allowed as long as safe distance of at least 1m is maintained between groups. • Sale of F&B is allowed, but consumption of F&B is prohibited in the same space as the live performance, during the period of the live performance. Venues must also abide by the Enterprise Singapore guidelines on sale and
consumption of F&B. • For venues with multiple performance spaces: • There should be no sharing of common facilities, including restrooms, between performers/crew and audience members as a best practice. If this is not possible, the use of common spaces should be staggered. • Deconflict performances' start and end timings to prevent congregations at public spaces/taxi stands. If possible, have separate ingress/egress for audiences attending different performances to avoid crowding within the venue. • Venue staff to be on-site to ensure compliance to safe distancing measures and minimise/prevent congregations of audience members, including at ticket collection points, entry to the performance space, and within the performance
space itself. • Visible signs/posters on social distancing measures are to be put up strategically at entrances and within the building as reminders for members of the public. These include wearing masks, maintaining safe distance, and to
not enter the venue if unwell. To abide by SG Clean guidelines for sanitisation and hygiene standards. |
Performers and Crew | • A maximum of 30 performers and crew are allowed on stage and backstage at any given time. • A maximum of 10 performers can be unmasked at any given time. • Of the 10 unmasked performers, there can be a maximum of 5 singers at any given time. All performers, crew and other staff should not mingle with audiences and other personnel on duty (e.g. front-of-house and box office staff,
ushers, etc.). Staff who are not deployed as onstage/backstage crew should not go onto the stage/backstage area at all times. |
Performers and Crew | On Stage • Performers should maintain at least 1m safe distance from others, although transient contact between performers during a performance is acceptable. • All unmasked performers engaged in singing and/or the playing of wind/brass instruments should maintain at least 2m safe distance from others. • As a best practice, singers should try not to position themselves directly opposite each other and are encouraged to sing away from each other. If they cannot do so, they should maintain more than 2m distance apart from each
other.
• Individuals playing wind or brass instruments should ensure that these instruments are fully intact, and refrain from training practices involving only parts of the instrument (e.g. mouthpiece buzzing, playing with just the lead
pipe) to prevent droplet transmission. Liquids from instruments (i.e. condensation and saliva) should be collected and disposed of hygienically after the rehearsal or concert. • All unmasked performers are encouraged to wear face shields while performing. The number of unmasked performers using face shields will count towards the maximum number of unmasked performers allowed.
|
Performers and Crew | Backstage • All performers and crew backstage must remain masked at all times unless absolutely necessary (e.g. for short costume changes and make-up application), and practice safe distancing of 1m between individuals as far as possible. • There are to be no unauthorised and/or unannounced visitors to the performance/ backstage area. Only authorised personnel as per call sheet should be allowed at the location. • Catering – All meals and drinks should be served as single-serving portions to avoid surface contamination. • Costume/Wardrobe – Encouraged for costumes to be provided individually and hung in their own cover. • Hair & Make-up – Ensure hair/ make-up kit is sanitised between each use and to use disposable equipment where possible. • There should be no sharing of equipment (e.g. music instruments, microphones, props). If unavoidable, equipment should be cleaned/ disinfected before being handled or used by others. • All technical equipment (camera, lights, grip, communication etc) should be cleaned at beginning and end of each day, and between each new user. |
Annex B
Zoning Requirements
1. For live performances exceeding 50 audience members, audiences have to be grouped into different zones holding no more than 50 persons each. Audience members are not allowed to enter zones not assigned to them.
2. Venues will need to ensure the following:
• Each zone must be completely separated from another by either a physical solid partition (at least 1.8m high if not floor-to-ceiling, from wall-to-wall); or at least 3m physical spacing demarcated by continuous physical barriers (e.g. different
levels, rope barriers).
• Venue must also take reasonable steps to ensure that audience members do not cross the physical barrier (where applicable) or enter an unassigned zone.
• Attendees assigned to different zones must not mix with one another during entry/exit (e.g. there could be a separate ingress/egress for each zone and/or staggered entrance/exit timings).
• Designate common facilities (e.g. toilets, concierge, bag drop, registration area, waiting area) to specific zones as best practice; OR stagger usage timings for different zones and wipe down common surfaces after use by each cohort; OR limit occupancy
and deploy staff to ensure no talking/mixing during usage of facilities and that persons return to their assigned zones thereafter.
• Staff should not mix between zones as best practice, but if not possible, staff on the same shift should maintain 1m distance from one another and wear masks at all times.
Annex C
Other Event Spaces which may host Indoor Live Performances
1. The following event spaces may host indoor live performances subject to adherence to the safe management measures and zoning requirements at Annexes A and B. Event spaces not listed below may
approach your respective sector lead agency with your safe management plan, to appeal to be allowed to host indoor live performances.
Singapore Tourism Board |
Integrated Resorts (incl. theatres and convention centres): • Resorts World Singapore • Marina Bay Sands MICE Venues: • Changi Exhibition Centre • Singapore Expo Tourist Attractions: • Tourist attractions approved by STB for resumption of operations (indoor venues) Other Venues: • Changi Experience Studio • 27 Pasir Panjang Power Station • Capitol Theatre • F1 Pit Building • Sentosa (indoor venues) • Indoor performance spaces on Royal Caribbean International and Dream Cruises |
MCCY |
•National Stadium •Indoor Stadium |