Attending Tony Awards Question

[UnderTheHill]

Posted: 5/27/08 at 2:24pm

All,

Has anyone here attended The Tony Awards, and if so, what is their policy in regards to cameras. I noticed when I purchased my tickets, there was a disclaimer saying:

"Cameras are not permitted and will be removed from the ticket holder."

Does this mean I cannot bring a camera into Radio City Music Hall even though I am only using it outside and not while inside?

Thanks.

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 5/27/08 at 2:26pm

I gave mine to my mom when I went with her and she put it at the bottom of her purse but if memory serves they took it away and held it for us until the end of the show. I think.

I'm honestly not 100% sure.

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 5/27/08 at 2:29pm

Yup. That's exactly what that means, unfortunately.

People DO manage to sneak cameras inside somehow, but you will go thru a screening procedure before entering the building. If you have a camera they'll tell you that you can't bring it in. If you give them your excuse ("oh, I was only taking photos outside"), they could care less -- you just ain't bringing it into the building.

Not sure how they're dealing with camera cellphones.

[uncageg]

Posted: 5/27/08 at 2:30pm

Yes, they take them and you have to stand in line to get it back near the side entrance where you go in. I suggest you don't take one. If you do, you will be in line while you could be walking through the lobby "star" gazing.

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 5/27/08 at 2:35pm

I was able to bring my cameraphone in without a problem, that much I know.

[stagescreen]

Posted: 5/27/08 at 2:37pm

UnderTheHill,

Since your profile says you're male...if your camera is one of the smaller digital camera out there (not a big Digital SLR with a telephoto lens, tripod, and crazy flash attachments) -- slip it in your inner jacket pocket. I brought my camera in to last year's Tonys...

If memory serves me correctly, they do make you open any bag you may bring with you, but they don't "pat you down" -- so inner coat pocket should be fine.

I treasure the couple of photos I took of myself and my partner from the balcony of Radio City, with the stage in the background. I also snapped photos of the people milling about in the lobby, taken from the balcony lobby -- in plain view of concessions workers, without any issue. Just be discreet!

[uncageg]

Posted: 5/27/08 at 2:40pm

They used a "wand" when I went. Brody, I don't think they take camera phones away. Unfortunately. The guy in front of me was snapping away with his phone.

[Ourtime992]

Posted: 5/27/08 at 3:33pm

>>>UnderTheHill,

>>>Since your profile says you're male...if your camera is one of the smaller digital camera out there...

With the disclaimer about his gender, I thought you were going to suggest stashing it somewhere else. :)

[bythesword84]

Posted: 5/27/08 at 4:26pm

It really isn't appropriate to be taking pictures at the Tonys anyway, so you may as well leave the camera at home.

I've never had a problem with getting my cell phone in.

[uncageg]

Posted: 5/27/08 at 4:35pm

I agree with bythesword84. It isn't appropriate to take pictures while there. Tape it and then you can enjoy it as many times as you would like. That's what I did when I went.

[Patash]

Posted: 5/27/08 at 6:15pm

I'm not a camera person or a picture taker myself, but I'm curious why some suggest the event isn't camera worthy -- not the ceremony itself, but the "red carpet" outside before and/or after the show? Why isn't that appropriate?

[UnderTheHill]

Posted: 5/28/08 at 11:00am

Thanks for all the responses. I work about 5 blocks from Radio City, but I also decided to get a hotel room for the night about 3 blocks away. What I will probably do is snap pics outside by the red carpet, go back to the hotel, drop off the camera, then go and enter the show. Worst-case senario, since I have a very old digital camera, I can always snap the shots and if I'm in a rush, take out the memory card and give them the camera. It's a lot of effort, but I'm bringing an out-of-town friend to the Tonys and it's gonna be his event of the year.

[keen on kean]

Posted: 5/28/08 at 11:35am

Slight thread jack - but what is the best time to arrive if you have tickets? I want to be able to enjoy the red carpet but I am more interested in what goes on inside before the telecast starts. Any suggestions?

[burnsy]

Posted: 5/28/08 at 11:57am

I would suggest you bring the camera, but don’t take pictures during the ceremony. You never know who you’ll meet. My friend and I brought cameras inside last year without any problem. We are guys and we just put the camera in the jacket. I brought my camera just in case, but I didn’t take any pictures at all. My friend got his photos taken with Usher (the R&B singer) & Naomi Watts.

I arrived one hour before the telecast and I think the best place for you to see stars is not the red carpet, but the lower level where the restrooms and bar located. It’s weird but most of the stars went there before the show.

[uncageg]

Posted: 5/28/08 at 6:42pm

You only get to walk the red carpet after the ceremony. Not sure how you get to stand along it but the stars enter on the opposite side of Radio City. We were going to try the red carpet but we saw the long line where we were to enter and skipped it. People were taking pictures outside along the red carpet when we left and trying to get autographs.

[misschung]

Posted: 5/28/08 at 7:30pm

I don't think they could actually confiscate everyone's cell phone. Cell phones are like, a third arm in this day and age. And camera phones are the norm. I doubt that will be a problem. Good call about dropping off your camera before the ceremony, though.