Mayo Performing Arts Center Returning To Full Capacity ​— Soon

MORRISTOWN, NJ — New Jersey wouldn't be getting "back to normal" with mostly empty shows. But the Mayo Performing Arts Center says it won't be that way for long, as the theater announced an upcoming return to full capacity.

The theater announced its schedule for the 2021-22 season and informed fans that they expect to return to full capacity in September.

MPAC has summer shows, but the new season begins Sept. 17. The Mayo center will review social-distancing guidelines to determine whether it will increase capacity for summer events.

The plan largely hinges on how New Jersey regulates venues like MPAC this fall. Currently, the state allows large, indoor venues with fixed seating, such as arenas and theaters, to host events at 30 percent capacity. Social distancing between people and groups is no longer required.

MPAC has flexible ticketing policies, "making it easy for patrons to purchase with confidence," its website says.

The theater's new season will include newly booked events and carryovers from this past season that needed rescheduling. The arts center closed in March 2020 because of COVID-19, only reopening at limited capacity last fall. Read more: Morristown's Mayo Performing Arts Center Reopening

“This is the moment we’ve all been waiting for,” CEO Allison Larena said in a statement.

Since reopening last September, the theater has held 40 concerts, comedy shows and dance events at a socially distanced capacity of 150. MPAC says it also improved ventilation, upgraded to touchless fixtures and added plexiglas shields and hand sanitizer throughout the building.

The Mayo center expects to add more events to the schedule, especially with tourism ramping up. The arts organization will also continue holding outdoor, drive-in concerts at Fosterfields Living Historical Farm. Read more: 6 Drive-In Concerts Coming To Morris Township This Summer

Find the 2021-22 schedule here.

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