Natick's TCAN Still Restricted Under New Reopening Rules

NATICK, MA — Massachusetts entered phase 3 step 2 of the coronavirus reopening plan Monday, which allows concert halls, theaters and other performance venues to open. But the new step may not mean much for The Center for Arts in Natick (TCAN).

The state's reopening guidelines still prohibit singing, and discourages the use of wind and brass instruments. Many performances scheduled at the venue this spring involved musicians whose performances would likely be prohibited under health guidelines.

TCAN addressed the latest reopening update in a statement over the weekend.

"Unfortunately, these restrictions severely limit TCAN's ability to move forward with any regularly scheduled performances at the present time," the venue said.

TCAN has been curating a monthly film series in 2021, with director Christopher Nolan featured in February, and continuing this month with films starring actress Meryl Streep. Movie theaters are allowed to expand to 50 percent capacity starting March 1. Dozens of TCAN's live performances scheduled for this spring have been postponed to the fall and beyond.

Baker advancing the state into the next phase of reopening has also earned criticism. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Rochelle Walensky has cautioned that the U.S. "is not there yet" for a full reopening.

READ: MA Reopening Takes Another Step: Here's What Changes Today