In-person performances will return to Miller Outdoor Theatre on May 1

Miller Outdoor Theatre, one of Hermann Park’s most popular venues, is bringing back in-person performances when it kicks off its 98th season May 1.

The announcement comes after the outdoor venue space canceled in-person events for the entirety of the 2020 season due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“It won’t be long ... the extended intermission, due to COVID, will be coming to an end and Miller Outdoor Theatre will once again be home to great free performances!” said Segall Davis, Miller Outdoor Theatre managing director, in an April 8 news release. “We have made some pandemic related changes ... all designed with safety in mind and in full compliance with City of Houston guidelines and rules.”

To provide an extra measure of safety and to improve the ticketing process, theatergoers will be able to secure tickets in advance online one week prior to the performance through the theatre’s website. Also, face coverings/masks will be required for all attendees, both in the covered seats and on the hill, unless eating or drinking.

In addition, all seating will be socially distanced, and cleaning and sanitizing protocols have been updated along with all the latest disinfecting technologies and compliance with local and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.

All ticketholders will have temperatures checked prior to entry. Meanwhile, hill seating, which does not require tickets, will be on a first-come, first-served basis through socially distanced designated “pods,” which accommodate 10 people in a known group. Everyone must sit inside a pod, and once all pods are taken, no more hill seating will be allowed.

Meanwhile, in 2021, many live evening performances will be simultaneously streamed on the Miller website, Facebook and YouTube. Also, performing groups have been asked to reduce the size of their ensemble to make social distancing possible backstage and onstage. Some productions will be postponed to 2022 as a result.