When people travel to New York City, they almost invariably think about taking in a Broadway show. (Or maybe it’s just us…) True, there’s a lot of great theater across the country and around the world, but there’s nothing quite like Broadway. The productions are splashier than anything you’re likely to see on national tour. And even the nonprofit theater companies on Broadway have budgets that significantly exceed those of the many fine regional theaters around the United States.

But like the rest of the world, Broadway shut down for the COVID pandemic. For eighteen months, the marquees on the Great White Way lay dark, the box offices closed, the illustrious stages empty. It was an unprecedented pause and regular theatergoers and tourists alike were thrilled when the theaters of Broadway once again started welcoming patrons.

Of course, there were many restrictions and requirements at first, including proof of vaccination and the wearing of masks. Many of those restrictions have since been lifted, but anyone attending a Broadway show post-pandemic is still likely to come across some differences in the experience, some subtle and some overt.

The star may be out sick 

Although COVID is no longer the fearsome threat it once was, people are still catching the virus. And beyond that, there seemed to be a noticeable shift during lockdown in the minds of Broadway performers about personal care. The old adage “The Show Must Go On!” has now been replaced by the notion that if you’re not taking care of yourself, you’re not doing the audience or yourself any favors. So there has been a noticeable uptick in the number of understudies you’re likely to see.

Keep in mind that if you’re hoping to see a particular performer and that performer calls in sick, you can usually get a refund or reschedule your tickets if that person’s name is above the title — i.e. a star, like Hugh Jackman, Josh Groban, or Lea Michelle. Or, hey, you might consider staying and watching the understudy perform. Some of the best theater experiences come from the experience of watching a future star showing what they can do.

Performances are occasionally cancelled

In another shift in the new theater landscape, there are more instances than before of performances simply being canceled. Professional theater productions always have understudies, standbys, and swings to fill in for ailing performers. But post-pandemic, there are times when so many people are out that there aren’t enough performers on hand to fill all of the roles. This happened frequently just after the theaters reopened, but it still happens occasionally. So if you’re planning on finding some last-minute flights to catch your favorite star in person, keep in mind that there are no guarantees.

On the other hand, if you yourself happen to get sick on the night of the show, box offices might actually accommodate you if you decide to stay home. Normally you’d be out of luck if you miss the performance for whatever reason, but post-pandemic the box office staff seem a lot more lenient about the whole “no refunds or exchanges” thing. Chances are they’ve been there themselves.

You’ll still see masks

Walking down the streets of New York City, you might think that the pandemic never happened, aside from a larger than usual number of empty storefronts. But you probably won’t see a lot of people wearing masks. Inside the theater, it’s a different story. Because Broadway theaters tend to be rather densely packed, there’s a risk of being exposed to something, viruses in particular. So you’re likely to see a lot more people wearing masks in the theater than out on the street.

In fact, some theaters — mostly Off-Broadway — still have mask-only performances to accommodate theatergoers who don’t want to venture out without a mask. This might seem excessive, but remember that there are many people with medical conditions that make it crucial for them to avoid COVID and other viruses. So it’s a good idea to carry a mask with you, especially if you’re venturing out beyond the Main Stem. It’s the least we can do to accommodate someone who otherwise might not be able to see a live show at all.

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You may not get an autograph

Immediately after theaters reopened, signs began appearing at stage doors informing patrons that cast members would not be greeting them, signing autographs, and taking selfies after the show. Even with all the restrictions and requirements, getting up close and personal with large crowds of fans seemed too risky. The signs still hang on many stage doors, but cast members are starting to make appearances again and greeting their eager fans. But there are no guarantees, so keep in mind that your favorite star still might consider it too much of a health risk to be mingling with the throng after the show.

Have you noticed any additional differences in attending live theater post-pandemic? Tell us about them in the comments below!