Discovery Theater's Health & Safety Protocols

Discovery Theater returned to live, in-person performances in December of 2022. This page contains information about what we have done and are doing to make your in-person experience as safe as possible. These guidelines are meant to protect our audience, artists, and staff from the spread of certain illnesses, such as COVID-19 and the flu. Policies are subject to change based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local governments.

We ask that if you (or your student/child) feel sick, please stay home. We are happy to discuss re-booking anyone who is feeling unwell.

Mask Policy

As of March 11, 2022, Smithsonian Museums in Washington, DC are no longer requiring visitors to wear masks during their visit when Smithsonian Regional Levels for COVID-19 are in the Low or Medium Level. Masks will be required if Levels go into High.

Discovery Theater will continue to be a mask-friendly environment. Please keep in mind, that our shows are often sold out and at full capacity, so you will likely be near other school groups for an extended period. We understand and respect that mask-wearing is a personal decision based on individual circumstances and will do our best to make sure everyone feels safe, comfortable, and enjoys the show!

Vaccination Policy for COVID-19

Effective September 1, 2022, and based on recent CDC recommendations, Smithsonian Institution is no longer requiring program participants attending Smithsonian-sponsored activities to show proof of vaccination or negative test results. This includes Discovery Theater audience members.

Additional Safety Measures

Our Facilities Staff has enhanced cleaning and disinfecting procedures in the building for all common areas and restrooms with CDC- and EPA-approved disinfectants. Our theater staff is also disinfecting door handles, counters, and shared surfaces after every performance.
Increased ventilation and air purification: HVAC systems are circulating fresh, outside air; and MERV 13 air filters have been installed, which efficiently capture virus particles and can help reduce the spread of viruses indoors.
Visitors are encouraged to wash and sanitize hands frequently during their visit. Hand-sanitizing stations are available throughout our building and outside the theater entrance.
Groups will enter the theater from one door and exit from another. Dismissal will also be staggered, and we ask that you please wait for your group name to be called before you attempt to stand and exit the theater. This allows for for less congestion and more space in the hallway both before and after the shows.
In a continued effort to reduce touchpoints, Learning Guides will only be offered digitally. The Learning Guide for your show will be linked in your pre-show email confirmation and post-show email survey, as well as on the individual show page on our website.

CDC Community Levels for COVID-19

If the Smithsonian Regional Level for DC/MD/VA goes into the HIGH Level, in-person performances may not be possible without enforcing stricter mitigations. In this case, Discovery Theater will contact all ticket holders to discuss alternative options, such as livestreaming the performance via Zoom, or moving to another date.