Berliner Ensemble redesigns theatre for social distancing

Alongside the physical changes, a thorough seating plan has been developed and orders of admission will be strictly regulated

Spotted: To prepare for reopening in alignment with Germany’s social-distancing policies, the Berlin-based theatre group Berliner Ensemble has removed around 500 of its 700 seats, with every second row cleared. On the remaining rows, seats are arranged either individually or in pairs. The removal will also be used as an opportunity to renovate the remaining historic seats.

The theatre group, which runs from a 19th-century Theater am Schiffbauerdamm building, posted an image of its auditorium on Twitter to give spectators a preview of what they can look forward to when it reopens in September. 

Alongside the physical changes, a thorough seating plan has also been developed. Tickets will be checked through contactless means, spectators must wear a mask until they reach their seat and guests will be brought to their seats in units of six people.

There will be a crowd management system during the entry to avoid traffic jams and maintain a minimum distance of 1.5 metres between the individual visitors, couples, or groups. 

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