Know Theatre of Cincinnati

Health and Safety

Pandemic Health and Safety Policies

For the safety of our cast, crew, and patrons, indoor audiences are required to wear masks for entry.

Masks should be well fitting (completely cover the nose and mouth, fit snugly against the sides of the face, and not have any gaps), medical grade masks (N95, KN95, KF94, or equivalent). Masks must cover the nose and mouth for the duration of the performance. If you don’t have an appropriate mask when you arrive, one will be provided for you, thanks to our Season Mask Sponsor, the Debbie L & Richard L Westheimer Family Fund of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation.


The Know is an intimate venue, with audiences and artists in close proximity to each other, so our Covid mitigation protocols may differ from those at other theatres.

Here are the highlights:

  • Masking is required for audiences and staff while in the building (unless performing onstage!)
  • Our ventilation system in the performance space will be running at all times to increase the amount of outside air circulating through the building. This may mean it gets a little chilly if you sit directly beneath an air vent. We recommend bringing layers to the theatre, even if it’s hot outside.
  • Our Underground Lobby bar will remain closed for the foreseeable future. We will offer outdoor bar service on select dates, weather permitting.
  • High touch surfaces throughout the building are frequently cleaned and sanitized.
  • If you’re feeling unwell, please stay home! We’re happy to transfer your tickets to another performance date, a livestream/video on demand ticket, or a different show.

Covid policies are subject to change based on data from the Ohio Department of Health, the CDC, and consultation with public health experts. Our goal is to protect our community not just from infection, but also long-Covid, which studies show affects 20% of those infected with Covid, regardless of severity of initial symptoms. We will reassess our masking requirement when new case levels drop below 30 / 100,000 per week for more than three consecutive weeks as reported by the Ohio Department of Health.


Please take note of the following protocol so that you know what to expect when you arrive, and our team can make sure you have a healthy, safe experience enjoying your show at the Know.

When you arrive:

The “Underground” Lobby will open one half hour (30 minutes) before your show: 7:30 for an 8 PM show and 2:30 for a 3 PM show.

Please note: Know Theatre’s indoor bar will not be open for the foreseeable future. We will have patio bar service available after select performances!


If you arrive earlier than one half hour before your performance, the front door will be locked. We’ll unlock it as soon as we are ready to open – thank you for your patience.

Before you enter – If you are feeling unwell, or experience any potential symptoms, please stay home! We’re happy to transfer your ticket to another night or switch you to a video-on-demand pass.

When you enter the building:

Patrons must be wearing a mask that fits over their nose and mouth whenever you are in the building of Know Theatre.

KF94, KN95, N95, and surgical masks that fit tightly to the face are most effective at preventing transmission of Covid-19. Regardless of the type of mask you choose, it should fit tightly to the face.

Please ensure your mask is secured before you enter.

When you approach the front desk, have your photo ID ready for our house manager to check in.

In the building:

For the safety and comfort of you and your fellow patrons, the Know staff, and our artists, take care to maintain 6’ of distance between you and others outside your party whenever possible. Avoid lineups or bottlenecks at the door. Respect each others’ personal space – we’ll get you in to the performance space in an orderly fashion, we promise!

Elevator – If you need the elevator to access the upstairs performance space, let our House Manager know when you check in – we are happy to help.

Seating – The seating area will open roughly 10 minutes before showtime. We’ll let you know when you can begin making your way upstairs. Please be patient – we promise, there’s not a bad seat in the house!

Seats may be spaced out more than you are accustomed to at previous Know performances.

Please do not move the chairs closer together; we have them spaced intentionally to provide additional air circulation.

Programs – We will offer paper cast lists for the production, and you’ll receive a link to our full digital program in your email. You’ll also be able to access it in the space by scanning a QR code, which will be on display in various locations around the lobby area. Thank you for reading!

After the show:

Though our bar is not currently serving, we invite you to hang out with us in the Underground to chat about the show, and mingle with artists! We’re working to reintroduce our Play(under)ground post show program on select nights. Keep an eye on this sit and social media channels for details!

We look forward to welcoming you to the Know in ways that minimize risk and maximize inspiration.

Thank you for being a part of the Know Theatre community. Let’s Play!