Due to the low numbers of community transmission of the COVID-19 virus in the state, the NSW government has announced that entertainment facilities including theatres, cinemas and concert halls will be able to increase their capacity from next week. The Premier’s Major Events Taskforce agreed that entertainment facilities in NSW can sell tickets for seated events at 50 percent of capacity, to a maximum of 1,000 tickets.

Richard Tognetti and the Australian Chamber Orchestra performing to a socially distanced audience at City Recital Hall. Photograph © Daniel Boud

“For workers across the full spectrum of the performing arts – from box office staff to ushers, from technicians and roadies to the artists – this change means more jobs,” NSW Arts Minister Don Harwin said. “For audiences, it means we can soon enjoy the experiences we have all missed so much during the pandemic.”

“It’s a win for jobs, it’s a win for our theatres and it’s a win for communities across NSW,” he said.

The state government has also eased restrictions on music in public schools, with the playing of wind instruments, singing and chanting allowed from Term 4 with strict restrictions.

“Singing and other chanting...