Bucks County Playhouse is prepping for its first live, traditional curtain-rise since 2020, reports Broadway World. 

The reduced audience capacity (20 percent of seats) and mask mandates, however, stay in place until June 14. Then, the theater focuses the spotlight on its new protocols — still under discussion — for patrons, performers and staff. 

The updated procedure explanation came with the announcement from Producing Director Alexander Fraser of a slate of live shows. 

“The new CDC guidance and the lifting of the Pennsylvania restrictions is certainly encouraging — signaling a return to regular operations in our not-too-distant future,” Fraser said. “We’re taking a measured approach as we return to a full schedule.” 

Fraser described eager anticipation of a full-capacity seating arrangement for summer, when he theorizes audiences and talent will “feel more comfortable” with live performances. 

Getting to this point has been a series of fits-and-starts openings for the Playhouse. It went live briefly in fall 2020 and reawakened this spring for socially distant concerts and comedy. 

The theater’s management evaluated those experiences to set the course for the welcome of fuller audiences. 

Frasier says its short-term to-do list includes ensuring staff vaccinations and updating present ticket holders about the changes. 

More on the reawakening of Bucks County Playhouse is at Broadway World.