COVID-19 & MASKING POLICY

As we continue to explore new opportunities to gather and build community within an ever-changing world, here is an update on the ways we will continue to gather and remain accountable to your COVID-19 safety at the Brave New Voices Festival. Failure to follow the guidance below will result in immediate disqualification from the Festival.

Limit Exposure
The week before the Festival, all teams are strongly recommended to limit their exposure to COVID-19 by avoiding crowded places and masking around others. We also recommend wearing a mask at the airport and during your flight and commute to and from the airport.
Masking Policy
  • Public Events (Finals, Workshops, Queeriosity, MCO, etc.): Masking is encouraged
  • Youth-Only Events: Masking is optional
  • On-Stage Performers: Masking is optional
  • Generally: Masks are optional and encouraged for Festival activities, but not mandatory. Performers who have completed a rapid test each day are not required to wear masks on stage.
Will Brave New Voices require proof of vaccine?
No.
What happens if someone on my team tests positive?
In the event of a positive test, BNV team members are required to remain isolated to prevent the spread of COVID-19. If you are someone in close proximity to the person who tested positive, you must remain masked during the entirety of the festival.
What happens if I test positive?
Please contact Youth Speaks’ Safety Team at Safety@youthspeaks.org  to let us know if you have received a positive COVID test.  BNV team members are required to remain isolated to prevent the spread of COVID-19 if they test positive.
Will there be masks available on-site?
A limited number of masks will be available at Brave New Voices. We still strongly encourage you to bring your own.
Will COVID testing be available on-site?
Daily COVID testing will only be available for BNV Team Members. Rapid tests will be provided upon arrival at the Festival.
Possible COVID-19 Exposure After the Festival?
Please get in touch with Youth Speaks’ Safety Team at Safety@youthspeaks.org to let us know if you have received a positive COVID test within 3 days of attending the Brave New Voices Festival. 
Will BNV participate in contact tracing?

Yes. Youth Speaks collects the contact information of all BNV Teams and staff, as well as requires all non-team participants to register for the Festival via the Brave New Voices website (http://bravenewvoices.org). This will allow us to contact a significant portion of the Festival if needed in the event of a COVID exposure.

Non-BNV Team audience members are encouraged to let us know as soon as possible if they receive a positive COVID-19 test within 3 days of a Youth Speaks activity by emailing us at Safety@youthspeaks.org.

In the event of a confirmed exposure to someone who tests positive for COVID-19, Youth Speaks will inform all relevant parties within 24 hours of notification to help prevent possible spread.

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Be A Mental Health Volunteer

07/16/2025 - 07/19/2025

We're seeking Mental Volunteers to support the Mental Health & Decompression Stations in various locations in Madison, Wisconsin.

Mental Health Volunteers will support BNV staff and our youth artists as they navigate the festival and any topics that might be difficult for them.

Apply