Southeastern's Columbia Theatre to reopen with new safety measures
Monday, September 28, 2020
by: Tonya Lowentritt
HAMMOND – As the saying goes, “Better safe than sorry.” Southeastern Louisiana
University’s Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts is reopening Oct. 3 with a new
season and new safety measures in place. Columbia Theatre Artistic Director Jim Winter
wants patrons to know they take their safety very seriously.
“No activity is 100 percent safe, but we are committed to providing you with
the safest possible theatergoing experience,” he said. “We have installed bipolar
ionization air filtration units throughout the building. We will also thoroughly sanitize
the entire facility in between all shows and events and have implemented reduced capacity
seating to allow for proper social distancing.”
Current state mandates require patrons and employees to wear masks at all times
while inside the venue, Winter said. Entering and exiting the building have also been
taken under consideration.
“The Hainkel Auditorium of Columbia Theatre features seven points of entry and
exit for patrons and two stairways leading to and from the third floor loge and balcony
seating,” Winter added. “The elevator will be limited to two people at a time, and
Columbia ushers and staff members will be on hand to help patrons find the quickest
and safest entry and exit points.”
Additionally, a plexiglass barrier has been placed at the box office so patrons
can safely purchase tickets in person. Box office hours are Monday – Friday between
11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Tickets can also be purchased by phone at 985-543-4371.
For more information, contact the Columbia Theatre administrative office at 985-543-4366.
