‘Safer is a nice option’: Citadel Theatre hosts mask-only performance of holiday musical

At a time when illnesses are at an all-time high, the Citadel Theatre is doing what they can to ensure their patrons feel safe when attending their holiday performances. As Laura Krause reports, they are offering a masked audience night.

By Laura Krause

Posted November 29, 2022 9:08 am.

Last Updated November 29, 2022 11:09 am.

Edmonton’s Citadel Theatre is dedicating a performance of its classic holiday musical “A Christmas Carol” to residents who want to add an extra layer of protection this flu season.

On Dec. 10, the theatre is putting on a performance for an entirely masked audience. Anyone attending the show is required to wear a face mask.

“It’s always important to ensure safety,” said Sarah Pocklington, the executive director at the Citadel Theatre. “Safety for our patrons, safety for our staff, safety for our performers, and also to make people feel comfortable. We really want people to come back to the Citadel to enjoy the amazing programming we have to offer.”

This is the third time the Citadel is putting on a show for a fully masked audience. It’s something they’re looking to continue doing.

“Based on audience response, we will look at continuing this for the rest of our season, and I will say audience response has been very, very positive,” said Pocklington. “Our patrons have been loving that they have the choice of coming masked or coming unmasked.”

A still from “A Christmas Carol.” (Credit: Nanc Price for The Citadel Theatre)

Some theatre lovers say the Citadel’s mask-only show came as a nice surprise.

“When I heard they had a mask-only option, this was after I had purchased my tickets, I called the box office and asked to switch my time so I could enjoy the mask-only performance,” said Gail Wozny. “It’s great to have the opportunity to attend something safer.”

Wozny says knowing all audience members are wearing masks makes her feel more safe at a time when respiratory illnesses are unusually high.

“Nothing is 100 per cent safe, but safer is a nice option to experience,” she said. “There’s a lot going around, it’s not just COVID, there’s all kinds of things. And some people are pretty vulnerable. I’m pretty lucky to be healthy, but some people aren’t. I would be more inclined to attend certain opportunities if there were more masked opportunities like that.”

“A Christmas Carol” is playing at the Citadel Theatre until Dec. 23.