CORONAVIRUS UPDATE:

We wish to do our part to eliminate any chance of COVID-19 spreading in our town and venue, and as such, the OTH bookshop, box office, and gallery are closed, and all gatherings have been temporarily suspended until further notice. We will update you as new information and recommendations come our way.

COVID-19 / Coronavirus (Previous Statement) 

To our splendid Old Town Hall community,

In addition to the enrichment of your (beautiful) souls… your physical health and safety are important to us. So in light of the growing concern around COVID-19 (Coronavirus), we would like to take this opportunity to assure you that our priority is keep you informed and feeling safe in our sweet space.

The Old Town Hall is currently following the guidance provided by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), the Ontario Ministry of Health, and local health authorities. At present, the Ontario Ministry of Health has assessed the public health risk associated with COVID-19 as low for the general population, but this could change rapidly. We are in close conversation with other theatres and arts centres in the province, sharing strategies, information, and best practices.

We have placed hand sanitizer in high traffic areas, and posted notices in all restrooms, encouraging proper hand washing procedures. (UM of COURSE we highly encourage singing-while-hand-washing routines. Bonus points to singing choruses written by Canadian musicians!)

Morning and nightly sanitizing of our space is being performed. This includes all door handles, light switches, elevator and alarm panels and buttons, phones, faucets, and toilet handles.

Additionally, we have implemented a flexible ticket exchange policy that allows any ill patrons to exchange their tickets for a future performance. In the event of a cancelled performance, we will publicize as best we can on our website, social media, and our answering service. If in doubt, please phone the box office at 519-443-0113. If a show is cancelled, online ticket sale refunds will be issued through Ticketscene. Box office sale refunds will be issued through the Old Town Hall, and can be arranged by calling the number above, or emailing claire@oldtownhall.org.

One dedicated staff member or volunteer will hold open the door for guests at performances. Social distancing practices are being put in place such as guests depositing their own ticket stubs in receptacles, and there will be no shaking hands with guests. We regret that hugs and high fives will also dwindle during this time, but hearty waves and smiles shall be given freely.

Any involved artist or staff member who shows signs of illness, or reports feeling sick, will be asked to stay home, and see a doctor if necessary. They will be strongly encouraged to rewatch all seasons of The Office on Netflix, preferably with a dog at the foot of the bed.

We will continue to communicate with you, and send updates as new information comes our way. We promise to stay positive, and proactive, and hope you do too!

UPDATE: FRIDAY, MARCH 13

We are doing our bit to “flatten the curve,” and be proactive, as promised. With the COVID-19 info available at this time, the OTH board has made the decision to postpone Pub Night. As it’s a “moveable feast” that often gets quite busy, we are treating it differently than an “assembly” event at this point. We will continue to keep you updated, and will definitely let you know when Pub Night is back on the calendar! Thank you for checking in!