Air Quality & Performance Policy

At SIR, your health and comfort matter to us. As wildfire smoke and air quality concerns have become more frequent, we’ve developed and introduced the following guidelines, which help us determine if a performance will go on.

How We Decide if the Show Goes On

Because air quality can vary greatly from one part of Winnipeg to another, we do not rely solely on city-wide forecasts. Instead, our production team assesses air quality directly at the Ruins — using both sight, smell, and real-time local sensors. We make the call at least 60 minutes before showtime. Here’s what we look for:

Condition On Site → What It Means for the Show

Clear No haze, no smoke smell → Show goes on!

Light Haze A little smoke or scent, no discomfort → Show goes on, we may reduce intense movement

Moderate Smoke Visible haze, smell, some irritation → Stationary performances of Macbeth

Heavy Smoke Thick haze, strong smell, symptoms → Show will be canceled for safety

What Happens if We Cancel?

If a performance is canceled due to air quality, we will notify all ticket holders via email and social media as soon as possible. You’ll be offered the chance to exchange, donate, or refund your ticket.

For Guests with Respiratory Concerns

If you have asthma or other respiratory sensitivities, you’re welcome to exchange your tickets for a different date free of charge if we decide to proceed on a day when the air quality is unsafe for you. Just speak with our box office staff for assistance.