Updated 12. March 2020
Dear CCB Community,
It is with a heavy heart that we have made the decision to cancel all shows effective immediately through April 22nd.
This was not an easy decision for us to make, but with the increasing spread of the COVID-19 Coronavirus the risks are simply too high and we need to think of the safety and health of our performers and audience.
You can read more about our decision here.
Stay safe and healthy and we’ll see you soon!
If you’re feeling ill, even just a head cold, we kindly asking you to stay home. Thanks for your understanding and gute Besserung!
As much as we love laughter, we recognize that the COVID-19 (Corona) virus is no laughing matter. Many of you may be worried about going out to a theater at a time like this.
We wanted to share with you what we’re doing at CCB to make sure our space stays a healthy and safe environment!
What precautions is CCB taking?
We do not wish to add fuel to any mass hysteria regarding the spread of COVID-19 nor do we wish to be a part of the problem.
Here’s the extra stuff we’re doing already:
- We are regularly disinfecting door handles, the bar counter and area, bathrooms and our equipment.
- Trash is being emptied even more regularly.
- Water will no longer be self-serve at the bar (if you want water, please ask our bar staff), and we encourage patrons and students to bring their own reusable water bottles.
- There’s plenty of SOAP! (Please notify staff if there isn’t)
- Wash your hands!
What if it gets worse?
Our plan is to continue with shows and classes unless and until official word of a Veranstaltungsverbot (prohibition on events) for theaters of our size comes through (if at all). To be clear, there is NO indication that this will happen for small theaters* but considering the measures already taken here in Berlin, and what’s happening in Italy and its proximity, it’s good to have a contingency plan.
What happens if there’s a prohibition on events?
- In the event of a partial prohibition (advice from the Senat/Gesundheitsamt to cancel public events):
- Shows will be immediately cancelled until we are informed otherwise. Tickets for shows during the lockdown will either be refunded, or if the show is rescheduled the attendee can choose a refund or to attend the rescheduled show.
- Classes will continue as normal.
- In the event of a full prohibition (no public gatherings are allowed – ie, what’s happening in Italy right now):
- Shows will be immediately cancelled until the end of the lockdown. Tickets for shows during the lockdown will either be refunded, or if the show is rescheduled the attendee can choose a refund or to attend the rescheduled show.
- Classes will be postponed but not cancelled. Classes will pick back up as soon as any lockdown is lifted.
We will also be monitoring the situation closely ourselves, and if we feel our community or audience could be in danger we may make the decision to close doors temporarily without any official instructions from the city or Gesundheitsamt.
What happens if there’s someone with a confirmed case who is discovered to have visited CCB?
- Anyone who was in contact (within 2 meters) with that person will be notified if possible (see below). In addition to self-quarantining, they should call the Gesundheitsamt or the city Corona Hotline to get instructions on next steps, including possibly getting tested for the virus.
- Anyone in the audience whose contact info we have (via online sales) will be notified.
- A notice will be made publicly on our social media platforms and mailing list.
- We will complete a full cleaning of the entire space.
- Adhering to current advice from the Senat and Gesundheitsamt, we will immediately notify the Gesundheitsamt and request their advice as to what we do next (whether the theater must close, and for how long, and what, if any, additional measures must be taken).
So! To sum up, CCB is open to keep you laughing, but with some added precautions, and plans in place in case things get worse! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Stay safe and healthy!
*The Berlin Culture Ministry has closed all large-scale state-run theaters until April 19, 2020, but has deemed it safe for theaters with a capacity of up to 500 attendees to stay open. https://www.berlin.de/sen/kulteu/aktuelles/pressemitteilungen/2020/pressemitteilung.905120.php