Skip to main content

Health and Safety FAQs for Wirtz Center Patrons

1. What are the entry requirements for a performance at the Wirtz Center for Performing Arts?

Proof of a COVID-19 vaccination or negative COVID-19 test result within 48 hours is required to attend shows.

Upon entry, patrons may be asked to show a valid COVID-19 vaccination card or proof of a negative test.

  • An original vaccination card, a printed copy of a valid vaccination card, or a negative test result (antigen/rapid or PCR) will be accepted. Antibody tests will not be accepted. Home self-tests without third-party validation are not permitted.
  • Documentation may also be presented in digital forms, such as a screenshot or photo on the phone.
  • For any vaccine documentation (printed copy, phone screenshot, etc.), the entire front of the vaccination card or test result must be visible, or it will not be accepted.

2. When do I need to take the COVID-19 test?

If a COVID-19 test is needed, patrons are encouraged to get tested 48 hours in advance.

  • PCR or rapid tests are acceptable. Antibody tests are not acceptable.
  • Home self-tests without third-party validation are not permitted. Northwestern is pleased to be able to offer COVID-19 rapid antigen testing for adult campus visitors. Visitors may include prospective students, Northwestern event attendees, and family or friends visiting campus.

3. Are masks required?

Under current CDC and Northwestern University guidelines, masks are required in indoor spaces for all patrons, regardless of age or vaccination status.

4. What are the guidelines for children?

All must wear a mask even if they provide a negative COVID-19 test. Patrons who are vaccinated must be prepared to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours (two days) of a show. For all unvaccinated patrons, proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours (two days) of a show is required. Home self-tests without third-party validation are not permitted. 

5. Will the Wirtz Center collect my personal health information?

No, the Wirtz Center will not collect or store individuals’ protected health information.

6. What if I am not feeling well and cannot attend the performance?

We encourage you not to attend if you are not feeling well. We will be flexible with our return and exchange policy this season. While our box office remains closed to in-person sales, all tickets can be ordered online. Our team will be available via phone and email during expanded hours, included in the season announcement information, to handle any refunds or exchanges.

7. Will we be required to be physically distanced within a Wirtz Center performance venue?

Based on all Northwestern, City of Evanston, and State of Illinois guidelines, we will open our venues to 100 percent seating capacity this fall. We require that all staff and patrons, regardless of vaccination status, wear a mask at all times when indoors. In addition, patrons who are vaccinated must be prepared to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours (two days) of a show. For unvaccinated patrons, proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours (two days) of a show is required. Home self-tests without third-party validation are not permitted.

Northwestern is pleased to be able to offer COVID-19 rapid antigen testing for adult campus visitors. Visitors may include prospective students, Northwestern event attendees, and family or friends visiting campus. Finally, patrons must agree to comply with Northwestern’s COVID-19 Safety Acknowledgment when purchasing tickets online.

8. What’s an acceptable self-test (sometimes referred to as home test)?

  • The test must be a SARS-CoV-2 viral test (nucleic acid amplification test [NAAT] or antigen test) with Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
  • The testing procedure must include a telehealth service affiliated with the manufacturer of the test that provides real-time supervision remotely through an audio and video connection. Some FDA-authorized self-tests that include a telehealth service may require a prescription.
  • The telehealth provider must confirm your identity, observe the sample collection and testing procedures, confirm the test result, and issue a report that meets the requirements of CDC’s Order (see “What information must be included in the test result?” below).

    9. What information must be included in the test result?

    A test result must be in the form of written documentation (paper or digital copy). The documentation must include:

  • 1.Type of test (indicating it is a NAAT or antigen test)
  • 2.Entity issuing the result (e.g., laboratory, healthcare entity, or telehealth service)
  • 3.Sample collection date
  • 4.Information that identifies the person (full name plus at least one other identifier such as date of birth or passport number)
  • 5.Test result

    If patrons have particular concerns or requests, they may contact the Wirtz Center Box Office. Email our audience service team at wirtz@northwestern.edu or call 847-491-7282 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and noon-4 p.m. Saturdays.  The Wirtz Center Box Office is closed for in-person service,