NEW YORK — As Broadway reopens, theaters will now require vaccinations for audience members through October.

The measure also applies to performers, backstage crew and theater staff.

The Broadway League says masks will also be required for audiences inside the theater, except while eating or drinking in designated locations. 

It applies to all 41 Broadway theaters in New York City.

According to the League, the policy will require guests be fully vaccinated with a Food and Drug Administration- or World Health Organization-authorized vaccine in order to attend a show. They must also show proof of vaccination with their ticket.

The League goes on to say “fully vaccinated” means "the performance date must be at least 14 days after the second dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine, or at least 14 days after a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine."

The League says for performances in November 2021 and beyond, theater owners should "anticipate a review of policies in September, and may include a relaxation of certain provisions if the science dictates."

The League says exceptions are being made for children under 12 and people with a medical condition or closely held religious belief that prevents vaccination.

They say those guests must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of the performance start time, or a negative COVID-19 antigen test taken within six hours of the performance start time. 

“As vaccination has proven the most effective way to stay healthy and reduce transmission, I’m pleased that the theatre owners have decided to implement these collective safeguards at all our Broadway houses," Broadway League President Charlotte St. Martin said in a statement. "A uniform policy across all New York City Broadway theatres makes it simple for our audiences and should give even more confidence to our guests about how seriously Broadway is taking audience safety.” 

The Metropolitan Opera and Carnegie Hall are also requiring proof of vaccination, but say that children under 12 will not be permitted to attend. 

"As soon as children under the age of 12 become eligible to receive a vaccine, fully vaccinated children will be welcomed back to the Met," the Metropolitan Opera said in a statement on its website.