Patrons of the arts may be able to enjoy concerts and performances in the District sooner than expected. Six D.C. venues will begin hosting live entertainment through October as a part of a pilot program announced by Mayor Muriel Bowser on Friday.

The six venues include, City Winery, GALA Hispanic Theatre, Pearl Street Warehouse, The Kennedy Center, The Hamilton and Union Stage. The spaces are required to provide detailed operating plans to the District which will be closely monitored for compliance with several requirements.

Tickets must be sold or distributed in advance with no more than 50 people including attendees, performers, and staff in the venue at one time. Reserve seating must be provided, with patrons sitting at least six feet apart and a minimum of 30 feet from the stage if the performer is singing. Audience members are to remain seated during the performance only leaving “as necessary.” The list also includes instructions for contract tracing, staff communication, signage and traffic flows.

Saturday night, the Kennedy Center will host its first live performance since the pandemic began in a concert featuring opera star Renee Fleming with actress and singer Vanessa Williams. The audience will be much smaller than these performers are accustomed to seeing, but Fleming told WJLA that she’s excited to get back.

“I’ve always taken for granted the rapport with the public and the audience with the fact that we can feel them, sense them,” Fleming said. “And we know when things are silent you can hear a pin drop when you know you’ve done something quite special and that’s a magical relationship.”

The pilot program will be in place for the participating venues through Friday, Oct. 30. According to a press release, the District is also inviting outdoor entertainment venues the opportunity to resubmit their plans for safe performances including the Adams Morgan Partnership BID, Arena Stage, Busboys and Poets, Capitol Riverfront BID, District Wharf, Et Voila Restaurant, Heist Group at the Kennedy Center and The Bullpen.