During this pandemic your safety and wellbeing is of particular concern to us. This is why we have developed a policy of measures together with the Lower Austria State Health Directorate, the Medical University of Vienna and the Austrian Red Cross’s Competence Center for Event Safety Management that maintains the highest safety standards and will you enable to visit the Festspielhaus without any worries.
GENERAL HYGIENE & SAFETY MEASURES
What are the basic hygiene measures I must observe during my visit?
- Avoid congested situations, especially at entrances and exits and in the catering areas.
- Without exception, you need to wear an FFP2 mask during your entire visit to the Festspielhaus from the moment you enter the foyer. Children aged between 7 and 12 may wear a mouth and nose covering as an alternative. Children under 7 years of age do not have to wear a mask.
- Please pay attention to our signs and follow the instructions of our staff.
- Do not shake hands with or hug anyone.
- Sneeze or cough into your elbow or into a handkerchief.
- Wash your hands with soap and water. Make use of our disinfection facilities.
- Stay away from performances
... if you feel unwell
... if you are unwell
... if you have had contact with someone who has COVID-19
... if there is a case of illness or suspected illness in your close social or family circle.
Where can I disinfect my hands?
Hand sanitiser dispensers can be found in all the toilets. Contactless dispensers of hand sanitiser are also available at several points in the foyer.
3GS RULE
Does the 3Gs rule apply?
Yes. Please note that we can only grant admission to persons who are tested, vaccinated or recovered (the 3Gs rule). The 3Gs rule applies to all visitors aged 7 and over.
How will we check 3G certificates?
Please show your valid test, vaccination or recovery certificate when entering the building. Please be aware how long these are currently officially valid. Your valid certificate (“Green Pass”) will be checked together with your photo i.d. (passport, i.d. card, driving licence, e-card) when you enter the building.
Do children also need 3G certificates?
The 3Gs rule applies to all visitors aged 7 and over. The “Ninja-Pass” for schoolchildren is valid for an entire week, subject to official confirmation, regardless of the duration of individual tests.
Can I be tested on site?
No. As we do not carry out tests on site, you will need to get tested before your visit.
MASKS & VENTILATION
Do I have to wear an FFP2 mask?
Yes. Without exception, you need to wear an FFP2 mask during your entire visit to the Festspielhaus from the moment you enter the foyer. Please understand that in order to ensure the health of our audience and our staff we cannot permit any exemptions.
Do children have to wear a mask?
FFP2 masks are compulsory for everyone aged 13 or older. Children aged between 7 and 12 may wear a mouth and nose covering as an alternative. Children under 7 years of age do not have to wear a mask.
Can I take off my FFP2 mask when I am in my seat?
No. Wear your FFP2 mask during the entire performance.
What should I do if I have forgotten my mouth and nose covering?
Please contact our front of house staff.
Will the space be ventilated?
Yes. Our modern ventilation system draws fresh air from outdoors, which is then filtered and conditioned before it enters the space. In order to ensure that a plentiful exchange of air, the frequency of ventilation and rate of air exchange have been increased.
ENTRANCES & ADMISSION
Do I need to come earlier than usual? When does admission begin?
Because of the entry checks, please allow more time for your visit. The entrances to the building will open 90 minutes before the performance begins. Admission to the auditorium will start 30 minutes before the performance begins.
Which entrances can I use to get into the Festspielhaus?
The Festspielhaus can be entered as usual through the main entrance, one side entrance (North East) and the underground car park. Please note that your 3G certificate will be checked when you enter the building. Try to avoid causing congestion when entering and leaving the building.
What if I arrive too late?
We regret that we cannot guarantee to admit latecomers.
SEATING
Are all seats on sale?
Yes. After the restrictions of recent months, we are now allowed to open our auditorium to more people and can put 100% of the seats on sale.
Are there any standing places?
No. Tickets are only sold for seats.
Are there places for wheelchairs?
Yes. We are able to offer our visitors 4 wheelchair places as usual.
SALES/MERCHANDISING
How can I buy tickets?
You can buy tickets as usual online or through Kartenbüro St. Pölten. You will receive your tickets 10 days before the performance either by post or by email as a print@home ticket, depending on the method of delivery you have chosen.
Can I buy tickets for a companion?
You may only buy tickets for persons belonging to your own household.
When is the ticket office open?
The St. Pölten Ticket Office is there for you as usual. We can be contacted by phone on +43 (0) 2742/90 80 80 600, by email to karten@festspielhaus.at and in person at the Kartenbüro St. Pölten (Rathausplatz 19)(Rathausplatz 19) Mon-Fri 09.00 to 17.00 h, Sat 09.00 to 13.00 h.
Why do I have to give my contact details when I buy a ticket?
Your health is our highest priority. In order to contact you as quickly as possible if a case of COVID-19 were to be confirmed, we need your current contact details.
May I pass on my ticket(s)?
Your seat may not be changed as it has been allocated in your name in order to be able to let you know in the event of an infection among the audience. If you wish to pass your ticket(s) on to someone else, please inform our ticket office immediately.
Is the box office open on the night?
Yes. The evening box office will be open 90 minutes before the start of the performance.
What will happen if a performance is cancelled?
If a performance is cancelled, you will be informed by us about what to do next in good time.
What will happen if I feel unwell or have had contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 or suspected case of COVID-19?
You can exchange your tickets for another performance or return them. To do this, please contact the St. Pölten Ticket Office.
Are programmes on sale?
Yes. You can buy our programmes again as usual from the information desk and from our front of house staff. On the day of the performance, you will also find that day’s programme available for download on our website.
DUTY MANAGER
Who can I turn to if I have questions when I am at the theatre?
Please consult our front of house staff. Information about our safety measures is also displayed on numerous signs.
CATERING
Is catering available?
Our catering service is open for you again as usual.
Are first night parties open to the public?
Yes. First night parties will be open to the public with immediate effect. Come and see us after the performance!
CLOAK ROOM
Is there a cloakroom?
Yes. Our cloakroom service is available for you as usual at a cost of EUR 0,80 per item.
PARKING AND ACCESS
Will the shuttle bus from Vienna be retained?
Yes. The shuttle bus from Vienna is covered by the same safety regulations as all public transport.
What do I need to be aware of when travelling to the theatre by car?
You can travel to the theatre by car as usual. If you park in our underground car park, your 3G certificates will be checked there. Please follow the instructions of our front of house staff.
CONTEXTUAL PROGRAMME
Will introductions, moving introductions, audience discussions, workshops etc. take place?
Yes, we are delighted to be able to provide our contextual programme in keeping with the safety rules. Introductions will be held as usual in the Kleiner Saal and transmitted by video to the Pleyelfoyer. Moving introductions will be held in the square in front of the Festspielhaus, subject to the time of year and the weather conditions.
In the interests of your own safety and that of others, please do your bit to help make your visit to the Festspielhaus a safe and orderly one. We will only be able to apply these safety measures properly and guarantee you can enjoy your cultural experience in our theatre without any worries with your help.
These measures apply until further notice and are may change depending on the legal situation.
