PPAC, VETS Become First Performing Arts Theatres in Region to Get Biorisk Preparedness Accreditation
Tuesday, April 27, 2021
The Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) and The Veterans Memorial Auditorium (The VETS) have announced that they have achieved Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) STAR accreditation, the gold standard for prepared facilities.
PPAC and The VETS are the first performing arts theatres in New England to achieve full GBAC STAR accreditation. Under the guidance of GBAC, a Division of ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association, the two Providence theatres have implemented the most stringent protocols for cleaning, disinfection and infectious disease prevention in their facilities.
“We are pleased to be one of the first performing arts theatres in New England to receive [this] accreditation; this is a great achievement for PPAC and The VETS!” said PPAC General Manager Alan Chille. “Our patrons can rest assured that we are following the best health and safety protocols for when they return to PPAC in October for our season opener, PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL.”
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTAbout Accreditation
As the cleaning industry’s only outbreak prevention, response and recovery accreditation, GBAC STAR helps organizations establish protocols and procedures, offers expert-led training and assesses a facility’s readiness for biorisk situations. The program verifies that PPAC and The VETS implement best practices to prepare for, respond to, and recover from outbreaks and pandemics.
“We cannot wait to welcome guests back to The VETS,” said The VETS General Manager Dan Schwartz. “The accreditation ensures our commitment to the highest health and safety standards in the industry for our returning patrons, artists, and staff.”
“GBAC STAR accreditation empowers facility owners and managers to assure workers, customers and key stakeholders that they have proven systems in place to maintain clean and healthy environments,” said GBAC Executive Director Patricia Olinger. “By taking this important step to pursue GBAC STAR, PPAC and The VETS have received third-party validation that it follows strict protocols for biorisk situations, thereby demonstrating its preparedness and commitment to operating safely.”
To achieve accreditation, PPAC and The VETS were required to demonstrate compliance with the program’s 20 core elements, which range from standard operating procedures and risk assessment strategies to personal protective equipment and emergency preparedness and response measures. Learn more about the accreditation at www.gbac.org.
About PPAC and VETS
The Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) presents a full roster of touring Broadway productions and contemporary engagements. Broadway will be back for the 2021/2022 season in October 2021 with season opener PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL, followed by a return engagement of HAMILTON.
PPAC is a 3100-seat, world class venue located in the heart of Providence’s arts and entertainment district; it is the second largest theatre of its kind in the country. The Loew’s Theatre Building, which is the historic home of PPAC, opened in October 1928 and has been applauded for its beauty and grandeur. PPAC is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been ranked by Pollstar as one of the Top Venues in the world. View PPAC’s season line-up HERE.
Since 1950, The VETS has held a unique place in the cultural life of Rhode Island as a performance venue for legendary artists, local performers and community traditions. The 1900-seat theater celebrates flawless acoustics and an exquisite interior with a one-of-a-kind ceiling featuring the shields of Rhode Island’s original 39 communities. On the National Register of Historic Places, recent updates transformed The VETS into a state-of-the-art performance facility. The VETS is overseen by the Rhode Island Convention Center Authority (RICCA) as part of the Rhode Island Convention and Entertainment Complex. It is managed by Professional Facilities Management (PFM).
Related Articles
- PPAC Unveils Newly Restored Facade—“Big” Announcement Expected Mid-April
- PPAC and The VETS Commit to Top Tier Level of Safety — GBAC STAR — for Reopening
- NEW: PPAC Not Planning on Reopening Until 2021 - Kicking Off With Broadway Series
- Hamilton’s Impact on Providence Rivals “Only Phantom’s,” Says PPAC President Singleton on LIVE
- Most Memorable Aretha Franklin Moments for PPAC’s Singleton, on LIVE
- PPAC Wins Tony Award for Best Musical Revival of “Oklahoma”
- PPAC President Singleton to Receive Vanguard of the Arts Award
