Date: Friday, August 16, 2024
Broadway in Jackson is Committed to Safety and Comfort of all Customers
The City of Jackson recently informed Broadway in Jackson that they have identified unidentified microbial growth in Thalia Mara Hall.
Unequivocally, the safety and comfort of all ticketholders is of paramount importance to Innovation Arts & Entertainment, the Executive Producers of Broadway in Jackson. Without question, there should never be a question as to whether a performing arts and concert venue is safe and healthy for its attendees, and we share the concerns of the public about what we have read, heard, and witnessed. As such, this week, we traveled to Jackson to advocate for proper care and repair of this iconic venue to the highest, most safe level. We have made ourselves available and are assisting the City and Thalia Mara Hall management to help them navigate the challenges facing the theatre and ensure that the venue is clean, safe, and comfortable.
While we maintain our concerns about the condition of the venue, we are satisfied with the initial steps and commitment to returning TMH to its proper condition and status. Our experience in venue maintenance and operations leads us to believe that the prognosis for a full recovery is strong.
The City has hired the Center for Toxicology & Environmental Health (CTEH), an independent, licensed Certified Industrial Hygienist to investigate, perform laboratory analyses, and assess all substances uncovered through their rigorous testing protocols. Furthermore, the City has hired Belfor, a nationally renowned, independent and licensed property restoration company to handle the remediation and repairs required to ensure that the venue is safe, healthy, and comfortable for all guests, on stage and off.
The Five Point Plan to ensure we get back to normal is as follows:
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Inspection and Assessment:
1. CTEH’s certified industrial hygienist has inspected the inside physical spaces inside Thalia Mara Hall and taken samples of all surfaces where there was visible microbial growth. They have also taken samples of the air present, tested for moisture sources, and potential hidden microbial growth in areas like walls, ceilings, and under flooring.
2. The samples have been examined in a laboratory testing facility under stringent, medical grade processes to identify all foreign growth, spores, and mold.
3. It is our understanding that a report has been completed of the laboratory examination of the samples.
4. If the findings indicate concerning elements, growth, or mold, the same report will identify standard operating procedures for the containment and remediation. These operating procedures are a How-To manual and Scope of Work for Belfor to fix what ails Thalia Mara Hall thoroughly. -
Containment:
1. If the findings of the analysis of the Thalia Mara Hall samples indicate concerning elements, immediate steps will be taken to prevent microbial growth spores from spreading to unaffected areas using containment barriers. This involves using plastic sheeting and negative air pressure machines to keep microbial growth spores contained within the affected area. -
Remediation
1. The goal of remediation is to ensure all microbial growth spores are eradicated, preventing regrowth through air filtration, material removal, cleaning, and disinfection. The affected materials are carefully removed and disposed of. -
Re-Inspection
1. A re-inspection ensures that the microbial growth has been completely removed and that the property is safe and clean.
2. If the re-inspection demonstrates that remediation proves that all growth has been eradicated, a report is issued allowing for re-occupancy. Only after this “bill of health” is issued, will Broadway in Jackson shows go on.
3. If the re-inspection finds the continued presence of microbial growth or spores, the entire remediation process occurs again, until the growth, spores, mold, etc are eradicated. No events will occur at Thalia Mara Hall until re-inspection confirms full eradication. -
Restoration
1. Once the microbial growth has been removed, and verified via re-inspection, that all traces are gone whereas the area is dry, restoration work to restore the areas to their pre-damaged condition.
Our experience in venue management and operations verifies that this Five-Point Plan complies with best practices for ensuring that any hazardous substances are found, and permanently eliminated from Thalia Mara Hall.
We stand with you, our most loyal supporters, friends, and guests. Thalia Mara Hall, this critical civic institution, must be maintained at the highest standards in order to keep the best in live entertainment coming to Jackson, MS, and audiences coming in to enjoy it.
Your commitment and investment in Broadway in Jackson is critical to our ability to bring the Best of Touring Broadway direct from New York to Mississippi. We will never put you and your families at risk by asking you to attend an event in a venue that is not safe and healthy.
Your Season Ticket purchase is guaranteed safe with Broadway in Jackson. If Thalia Mara Hall is deemed unsafe or a Broadway in Jackson or Jackson Live show is cancelled, you will receive a full refund for the shows affected.
We will stay vigilant in our investigation of the condition of Thalia Mara Hall and the work being done by the hired contractors who are entrusted with its restoration. We commit that our events will only proceed when the venue is safe and healthy.
Sincerely,
Adam Epstein
CEO
Innovation Arts & Entertainment &
Broadway in Jackson