Hale Centre Theatre In Sandy Drops Mask Requirement
May 5, 2021, 6:09 PM | Updated: 9:34 pm
SANDY, Utah – Officials from the Hale Centre Theatre in Sandy has decided to no longer require masks at shows, leaving the choice up to patrons.
The decision was announced Tuesday night right before the beginning of “Les Miserables,” which is playing through June 26.
“It’s a day of celebration. We can see now the end game of this crazy pandemic,” said CEO Mark Dietlein. “We recognize that there are many folks who want to still wear their mask and that’s great we welcome that too.”
Hale Centre Theatre in Sandy is no longer requiring mask while the Hale Center Theater Orem is requiring mask.. what’s your reaction? Wear or not wear? The story @KSL5TV at 6 pic.twitter.com/InRcg0PXtK
— Dan Rascon (@TVDanRascon) May 5, 2021
It came after the state terminated all its health orders. Dietlein said the audience erupted in cheers.
“The biggest cheer and announcement all night was hearing that announcement,” he said.
The decision did not come without controversy. The centre’s social media sites lit up with hundreds of comments from both sides.
The State of Utah recently made changes to COVID-19 regulations. Masks are welcome at HCT. The state of Utah does not require masks in public and HCT is following that guideline. Masks are welcomed, but not required. https://t.co/OKjBVtcJcu
— Hale Centre Theatre (@Hale_Theatre) May 5, 2021
Dietlein said they still required their employees to wear masks when interacting with people, and the actors were also still required to wear them backstage. He said if anyone feels uncomfortable about going to the theater and has already purchased a ticket, they will offer a full refund.
The Hale Center Theater Orem, which only carries the family name and is not associated with the Sandy location, decided to continue requiring masks.
“We decided that since so many patrons have committed to come to the theater wearing a mask, that they are expecting everyone else in the theater to wear a mask as well,” said executive director Cody Swenson. “Most people have been pretty positive about our decision to wear masks.”