How the NAC is responding to COVID-19

The health and safety of our visitors, artists, and staff is of paramount importance. Due to the evolving situation of the COVID-19 coronavirus, the NAC is extending live performance and event cancellations and postponements until further notice. The NAC building, including the Box Office, remains closed until further notice.

This decision is the right thing to do to keep our community safe and healthy. Our audience expects nothing less of us. We take comfort in knowing that the NAC and its dedicated staff will be doing their part to help reduce the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Rest assured we will make every effort to accommodate our patrons and artists at this difficult time.

The NAC is taking the following measures effective immediately and continuing until it reopens:

• All ticketed performances and free public events are cancelled;

The following additional measures are taken until further notice:

• The NAC building and public spaces won’t be accessible to the public;
• The garage will only be accessible through pedestrians’ doors (not from inside the building);
• The Box Office will assist ticket buyers by email or by phone (limited opening hours), visit our refund and exchanges page for more details.

Message to NAC Ticket Buyers Regarding Refunds and Exchanges

All tickets for cancelled performances will be exchanged or refunded. As we are making this important announcement, we ask ticket buyers to be patient with us. Rest assured that we will take care of all ticket buyers. Your understanding is appreciated. Please visit our Exchanges page if you have additional questions.

Exchange in person at the Box Office suspended – Please note that the Box Office is happy to continue to assist you by email or by phone (limited opening hours). All in person interactions are suspended for the duration of cancellation measures.

Message about donations to the NAC Foundation
Note that duplicates of NAC Foundation charitable donation tax receipts will be issued once we return to our normal business. Thank you for your understanding.

Reopening the NAC: What to expect when coming to a performance or event

Our team at the National Arts Centre is looking forward to greet you as soon as we get the green light from public health agencies. Here is a preview of what you can expect when coming to an NAC performance or event once the NAC reopens: 

Everyone will be required to wear a face mask at all times. Social distancing of at least two meters will be in effect throughout our public spaces.

Prior to coming, you will be asked to pre-register when buying your ticket. At that time, we will share instructions about safety protocols, suggested time of arrival and directions to the entrance closest to your event. You will also be asked to provide your contact information for tracing purposes in case the public health agency needs to be in touch.

On the day of the performance or event, you will be greeted by our staff and asked screening questions such as whether you have a fever or been in recent contact with someone with COVID-19.

There will be lots of signage to inform you of distancing guidelines, as well as visual aids, such as markings on the floor along designated pathways, to safely guide you to your seat.

Because visitors will always be required to be two meters apart, you might wait longer to enter the building. There will be varying maximum occupancy limits in all the spaces, as well as other measures to prevent overcrowding. You will also notice an increased presence of NAC employees and volunteers, including members of our cleaning and security staff, who will be there to ensure your safety.

The water fountains have been disabled. In our public washrooms, every second stall and every second sink will be out of use. With respect to food services, intermission bar service will be limited. Food handling techniques and procedures will also be in place. 

Please check this page from time to time for updates.