As local, state and federal authorities slowly relax the restrictions on assembly that have been in place due to Covid-19, the Opera House is going ahead with some modest programming that has been in safe and socially-distanced rehearsal for some time. We would like to share with our plans with you, our loyal patrons, for ensuring your safety during these challenging times.
SOCIAL DISTANCING
Our Historic Theater has an unrestricted full capacity of about 300 seats, so to comply with a social distancing requirement of at least 6’ between parties of patrons, we will fill every other row, and require at least 4 empty seats between groups of patrons within each row. With these seating strategies, we can offer around 80 seats available for each performance.
Along with the reduced seating strategies, we will enforce social distancing by spacing out lines of people waiting at event check-in, at lines to the bar, at lines to the bathrooms, and by stationing ushers at bathroom entrances to limit the number of people in the restrooms at one time.
Our historic old building serves as an advantage in this situation because it offers very high ceilings (about 20 feet) on both the downstairs and upstairs floors, as well as a general spaciousness throughout. This provides good air circulation and more ease in distancing individuals and groups from one another.
PERSONAL PROTECTION
We will also practice all personal protection procedures recommended by the authorities, including requiring our staff and volunteers to wear masks, and requiring our patrons to wear masks as well. Hand sanitizer dispensers will be located around the building. We will also check all show patrons for high temperature before entering the building.
Our actors and stage crew will not be interacting with the audience before, during or after the play. Our stage is some distance from the audience, well over 6 feet. Actors and crew will be tested for exposure to the virus before the beginning of the show run, and will be tested nightly for high temperature. They will also be encouraged to wear masks while backstage.
Of course, anyone who is sick is encouraged to stay home.
SANITATION
The upstairs Historic Theater and downstairs Perkins Hall will be cleaned and sanitized before each show run and after each show. This includes all high touch surfaces including door handles, seat arms and backs, and counter/table surfaces, as well as bar and check-in devices and equipment. Bathrooms will be cleaned and sanitized before the show run and after each show.
FEEDBACK
All show patrons, staff, volunteers, actors, and stage crew are encouraged to report any occurences of unsafe behavior or situations to the theater management.
Season Ticket Holders' Instructions Regarding ON GOLDEN POND
For Valued Monticello Opera House
Season Ticket Holders:
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, On Golden Pond has been rescheduled for February 26-March 7, 2021. As it was the final show in our 2019-2020 Season Ticket Package, our season ticket holders will be allowed to call our office and apply that credit to one of the performances in the new show run. So you will simply call and make reservations for the show as you normally would, and there will be no charge as we will be applying your credit from last season.
We apologize for the show postponement, and hope that this solution will be acceptable to you. If not, please call our office for other options.
Our office phone number is 850/997-4242. Thanks very much for your understanding during these challenging times.
The Opera House Stage Company at MOH
Due to concerns about Covid-19, the Opera House Stage Company has decided to postpone indefinitely the "Killing Mr. Withers" Murder Mystery Dinner Theater show previously scheduled for August. We apologize for the change in plans, and hope you'll stay tuned to this website and our FB page for more updates.
Educational Opportunities
Acting for Adults: Intro to Acting
Always wanted to try acting but haven’t had the opportunity— or maybe the courage? This class is a gentle, hands-on introduction to acting. Learn the jargon, apply techniques, explore and enjoy acting on stage. How far you’ll go is up to you. Brave just that first step on stage or challenge yourself to expand your abilities.
Instructor, Barbie Nettles is a local actor/director with experience in stage and film locally and in Los Angeles. Classes will meet once a week on Saturdays or Sundays for 2 1/2 hours at the Monticello Opera House. Tuition is $150 for this eight week class.
Classes will begin when participants (8-12 per session) have registered. Be sure to inform us of date conflicts you may have with the class schedule. The Opera House is located on the courthouse circle at 185 West Washington Street, Monticello, Florida.
Payment: Tuition is $150 for the eight week class. Payment in full may be made with credit card by clicking the "Buy Tickets Now" button below, or with check or cash by bringing payment to the first class. Partial payment of $75 may be made by check or cash and brought to the first class. The $75 balance will be due at the beginning of the 5th class. Please make checks payable to Monticello Opera House.
Questions? Email Barbie with your questions and phone number to InfiniteTalent@hotmail.com. She’ll be happy to give you a call.
Interested in another class? Let us know your interests. Classes are available in:
- Scene Study,
- Performance Workshop,
- Auditioning for Stage or Screen,
- Set Design
- Stage Directing.
These will be offered upon request.
Classes for self-motivated young actors may also be offered.
The Monticello Opera House would like to thank each of our season sponsors for their generous and continued support.
Curt and Beth Blair
The Monticello Opera House is sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State,
Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.
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