Performing arts centres across Ontario are planning for what the future holds after the COVID-19 pandemic, including in Chatham-Kent.
The Chatham Capitol Theatre has launched an online survey in an effort to see where it stands and what it can expect when coronavirus restrictions are loosened.
Heather Slater, manager of arts and culture in Chatham-Kent, said performing art facilities and theatres and struggling much like other industries right now, trying to figure out what the new normal will look like.
Officials with both the Capitol Theatre and Kiwanis Theatre are working with a province-wide performing arts organization to plan for post-COVID-19 operations.
"We are all speaking regularly, weekly, to talk about how we're making it through this crisis and how we can imagine coming out of this on the other side," said Slater.
According to Slater, the information collected in the survey will go towards a provincial data report that gives them a sense of how audiences will feel about returning to the theatre.
The survey touches on a number of topics including when people plan to visit the theatre once restrictions are lifted and what health and safety measures people would most like to see put in place.
Slater said one of the biggest challenges that's anticipated is dealing with social distancing. She expects that once production is allowed to resume, social distancing measures will still have to be implemented in some way.
"For an industry that's about gathering in large groups in a confined space and sharing an experience with other people very close to you, naturally the social distancing is a challenge for theatres," she explained.
Besides audience members, Slater said they are also dealing with how to keep staff members and performers safe. She added that multiple plans will be put in place to allow for the theatre to quickly adapt to changing regulations.
"It's incredibly complicated, obviously, but we're doing everything we can," she said.
For now, Slater said the next step is to wait for instructions from the provincial government on when theatres can reopen and what size of gatherings are permitted. She also recommends that people keep a close eye on the Capitol Theatre's Facebook page for any updates.
"This survey will really help us get a feel of how our audience is feeling. Are people going to be feeling nervous about coming back to the theatre? The results are coming in and we're watching. So far, I think most people do intend to have theatre still in their life in some way," she said. "But, we know we have a long road ahead of us."
You can take the theatre survey by clicking here.