DRAMA BOOKSHOP opening June 10th, 2021

[JBroadway]

Posted: 3/11/21 at 10:36am

https://www.broadwayworld.com/job/Operations-Manager-for-The-Drama-Book-Shop-4969

Looks like they just posted this job listing for an Operations Manager! A great sign, that they hopefully might be opening in the near future. Even if we're still a few months out, I'm so glad to see that preparations are underway. 

The Drama Bookshop was a cornerstone of the NYC theatre community, and I'm so excited for it to become that again. At the time that it closed, we believed that it would re-open in 9 months, and here we are - well over 2 years later. But better late than never! 

Updated On: 5/19/21 at 10:36 AM

[Kad]

Posted: 3/11/21 at 10:54am

The listing notes a summer 2021 opening- it also says there will be a cafe, so I’m guessing this is will be a larger location than the previous one on 40th.

[JBroadway]

Posted: 3/11/21 at 11:10am

Kad said: "The listing notes a summer 2021 opening"

Thanks! I missed that. As I said, I figured it would be a few months out. Summer opening makes sense. 

 

- it also says there will be a cafe, so I’m guessing this is will be a larger location than the previous one on 40th."

 

Yes, I believe that has been confirmed in previous announcements. Seems like this is going to be a serious Drama Bookshop 2.0 

https://www.playbill.com/article/lin-manuel-miranda-and-hamilton-collaborators-reveal-new-location-and-opening-for-drama-book-shop

[iluvtheatertrash]

Posted: 3/11/21 at 12:17pm

Would be nice if they hired back at least one of the many experienced, hard-working staff who were devoted to that store and worked like dogs for minimum wage.

I loved running events there and think I did a damn good job in the final years. An invitation to be a part of it would have been nice.

I know I could apply. But can’t help but feel it’s futile. They know how to reach us if they wanted us back.

[Kad]

Posted: 3/11/21 at 1:09pm

iluvtheatertrash said: "Would be nice if they hired back at least one of the many experienced, hard-working staff who were devoted to that store and worked like dogs for minimum wage.

I loved running events there and think I did a damn good job in the final years. An invitation to be a part of it would have been nice.

I know I could apply. But can’t help but feel it’s futile. They know how to reach us if they wanted us back."

They haven't reached out to the previous staff? That's disgraceful. You guys were essential to the store, just as much as the books themselves.

[JBroadway]

Posted: 3/11/21 at 2:42pm

I'll second everything Kad just said. That's extremely frustrating. Far be it from me to give you advice about how to handle a situation like this, but for the sake of us patrons who relied on the DBS employees as a valuable resource, I hope that you guys get their attention - even though you shouldn't have to. 

Have you heard from any other employees about whether they're in the same boat? Maybe a petition is in order.

Updated On: 3/11/21 at 02:42 PM

[dramamama611]

Posted: 3/11/21 at 9:02pm

Since the job listing is specifically for an operations manager, whose duties include hiring, this is likely only a very first step to gearing up, and they want that manager to be part of the hiring. So maybe its too soon to be feeling overlooked.

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 3/11/21 at 9:59pm

iluvtheatertrash said: "Would be nice if they hired back at least one of the many experienced, hard-working staff who were devoted to that store and worked like dogs for minimum wage.

I loved running events there and think I did a damn good job in the final years. An invitation to be a part of it would have been nice.

I know I could apply. But can’t help but feel it’s futile. They know how to reach us if they wanted us back."

I sincerely hope they do hire you all back. 

 

[Mr. Wormwood]

Posted: 3/11/21 at 11:22pm

Can't wait to visit it at its new location. Looking forward to an upgrade with the same charm (which would include hiring back available staff!)

Though I will miss it being a couple doors down from my favorite cheap street pizza place - Kiss My Slice

[iluvtheatertrash]

Posted: 3/12/21 at 9:41am

Thanks all. I do hope maybe I’m reacting too quickly, but to be honest I’m skeptical. Throughout all this, we’ve been able to get zero information or included in any way. We have little information about the new shop, or plans. And we are all pretty sad about it.

I loved being Events Manager. I know so many of you used to come to my events. I was very proud of what I did there, and the events I made happen in my time at the shop were bigger and better than most they ever had. I don’t say this to toot my own horn but becuase I really was very proud of it, and I really did love doing it. I miss it terribly.

Not sure it’s right for any of us to start a petition, or make a big stink. I think we are afraid to burn bridges or come off antagonistic, etc. But yeah. It stings a lot and, especially now when work is so precious, it would be really nice if we were included in this after all the work and time we put into the shop.... for $12 an hour. (Yes, that’s what we made.)

[dramamama611]

Posted: 3/15/21 at 10:35am

I wouldn't petition - that would seem antagonistic at this point.   It's always the little guy, the actual ones that DO the work, to be the last to know.

And while I'm the one that suggested they might just not be "there" yet - I totally understand your skepticism - it's hard waiting, especially not knowing.

[iluvtheatertrash]

Posted: 3/15/21 at 12:06pm

Yeah, thank you. I do hear ya though!

Either way, I’m happy it is returning and look forward to spending my money there haha!

[Tom5]

Posted: 3/16/21 at 11:05am

Considering theatre has been over and likely will be for a long time I imagine I'll be spending 5X more time there than usual. I also expect it to be the same with everyone else and the place will be mobbed! 

[JBroadway]

Posted: 5/19/21 at 11:00am

Great news! Drama Bookshop is officially re-opening on June 10th

Heads up: they're only letting in 40 customers and a time, so you have to make a free reservation of a time slot to shop there, for the time being. I have a spot booked for the opening day! I would've loved to try for the first slot, but I won't be available in the morning - oh well! Still happy to be going, especially on the 1st day.

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/The-Drama-Book-Shop-Will-Reopen-on-June-10-20210519

Updated On: 5/19/21 at 11:00 AM

[GiantsInTheSky2]

Posted: 5/19/21 at 11:03am

Very exciting news!

Re: the reservations - “Reservations are not required, but highly recommended to ensure entry to the store at a specific time.” Probably a smart move for the first week, but I imagine you won’t have to worry about it that much.

[JBroadway]

Posted: 5/19/21 at 11:05am

Well spotted! Didn't catch that, but yes I agree. Although the slots haven't sold out as quickly as I would've expected for that first day. As I type this, they're still available throughout the day, except for the 9am slot. 

[uncageg]

Posted: 5/19/21 at 7:02pm

I reserved a slot this morning for the first day. Looking forward to seeing it and buying a few things.
 

Updated On: 5/21/21 at 07:02 PM

[Jaxson2]

Posted: 5/19/21 at 9:18pm

uncageg said: "I reserved a slot this morning for the first day. Looking forward to seeing it and buying a few things.

Got afternoon spot on June 10. Looking forward to it.

 

[dramamama611]

Posted: 5/20/21 at 7:36am

Is it odd that I'm dying to come into the city JUST for this?  (I doubt I actually will, however.)  I have plans to come in Columbus Day Weekend....so far away!

 

TERRIFIC NEWS, can't wait to be there.

[iluvtheatertrash]

Posted: 5/20/21 at 8:51am

Far as I know, none of the original staff (except management) are hired back. Several of us applied and didn’t even receive interviews. Guess nothing we did there mattered.

[unclevictor]

Posted: 5/20/21 at 9:44am

iluvtheatertrash said: "Thanks all. I do hope maybe I’m reacting too quickly, but to be honest I’m skeptical. Throughout all this, we’ve been able to get zero information or included in any way. We have little information about the new shop, or plans. And we are all pretty sad about it.

I loved being Events Manager. I know so many of you used to come to my events. I was very proud of what I did there, and the events I made happen in my time at the shop were bigger and better than most they ever had. I don’t say this to toot my own horn but becuase I really was very proud of it, and I really did love doing it. I miss it terribly.

Not sure it’s right for any of us to start a petition, or make a big stink. I think we are afraid to burn bridges or come off antagonistic, etc. But yeah. It stings a lot and, especially now when work is so precious, it would be really nice if we were included in this after all the work and time we put into the shop.... for $12 an hour. (Yes, that’s what we made.)"

Stop making the opening about u. Stop whining that no one reached out to u. Why would they? New management probably has no idea who u are. You want a job there? REACH OUT TO THEM. That’s usually how it works. Don’t start a petition and your stink should stop here. Be grateful the store was saved even though it probably won’t be around for long. 

[iluvtheatertrash]

Posted: 5/20/21 at 9:50am

Excuse me, but I did reach out to them. So did multiple other employees. And management knows who we are, because we were there for years. This isn’t “about me”. In fact, I’ve said I didn’t expect to be rehired as I left over a salary dispute a few months before closing. But I am angry and upset for my coworkers who worked their asses off until the bitter end and were not even considered.

And just so you know, Lin knows exactly who we are. We spoke to him on many occasions, I organized his book signing and stood next to him the entire time, and you can even see us talking on the live stream. They know who we all are. Shall I get out Tommy Kail’s email?

We weren’t just booksellers. And the majority of customers know that. So, maybe you should educate yourself a little bit before speaking.

[iluvtheatertrash]

Posted: 5/20/21 at 9:55am

Wanting more for hard working employees isn’t “making the opening about me”. It’s acknowledging the fact that the people who made the place special deserve more loyalty and respect for their contributions to the shop.

And by the way, since you seem to know soooo much, some of the former management is involved. So, yeah, they know who all of us are.

I’ve seen your bullying attitude on a number of posts and it’s really ridiculous.

[JayElle]

Posted: 5/20/21 at 10:04am

Nederlander is involved too. Could the jobs have gone to the friends of him, Lin, etc.?

[unclevictor]

Posted: 5/20/21 at 10:06am

iluvtheatertrash said: "Wanting more for hard working employees isn’t “making the opening about me”. It’s acknowledging the fact that the people who made the place special deserve more loyalty and respect for their contributions to the shop.

And by the way, since you seem to know soooo much, some of the former management is involved. So, yeah, they know who all of us are.

I’ve seen your bullying attitude on a number of posts and it’s really ridiculous. "

You’re the bully, not me. YOU’RE the one that wants to make a stink cause no one reached out to u to sell books. YOU’RE the one that wants to get a petition started to disrupt the opening of a beloved bookshop cause no one reached out to you for a job. Get over yourself. No one owes u anything.