I work in the industry, and the biggest issue right now, in England, is shows being cancelled because the performers are getting Covid. That’s why the audience is only getting a couple hours’ notice.
Most of the smaller and average-sized productions don’t have an infection tracing protocol, they don’t have understudies who could jump in last minute, they don’t test the cast members. Three people get sick or test positive on an LFT and that’s it, you need to close the whole thing down.
Even the big West End shows are being cancelled, because everybody is ill, or a close contact. The issue with close contacts is that they’re not required by law to isolate, so they all come into work, and three days later start developing symptoms, despite negative LFTs. By which point, half the band is off with a headache, the MD has a cough, there are not enough choir members, and you also have front of house staff either isolating, or with a sick kid at home, so no one to man the doors. It’s absolutely bonkers.
If (efficient) masks had been kept throughout, ventilation filters updated, people’s Covid status checked, and companies had developed solid hygiene plans… then it might have not been as bad.