Mandatory bag check at Shubert Theatres

[spike3]

Posted: 2/22/12 at 12:01pm

for security purposes a mandatory bag check is being put into action. Ticket buyers are being informed via slips in ticket envelopes. For this mandatory bag check there is a charge of $2,( the regular price to check something in the coat room anyway) out of that charge $1 goes to the Shubert Organization,and $1 goes to Theatre Refreshment Co of NY. Seems they try this "mandatory" bag check every few months, without success.

This practice has so far been noticed at The Barrymore

Updated On: 2/22/12 at 12:01 PM

[Tom1071]

Posted: 2/22/12 at 12:10pm

What does that mean? Is it only for things like back packs or will it include women's purses?

Is this being done for security purposes or just another way for them to squeeze a buck or two out of the consumer?

Updated On: 2/22/12 at 12:10 PM

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 2/22/12 at 12:11pm

For what purpose? To piss off and inconvenience theater goers? I mean they're already spending a fortune on the tickets, why not add a couple of dollars to that and a mandatory 15-20 minutes in a line at the end of the show to get their stuff back? And what if you don't have cash on you? Will they take a check?

[Kad]

Posted: 2/22/12 at 12:19pm

A mandatory bag check shouldn't be an additional fee. In my opinion.

[Broadway Joe]

Posted: 2/22/12 at 12:20pm

Does this include purses? I have friends and family who will put up a fight about that.

I always bring a little drawstring bag with me cause I'm usually in the city for the day, I'll just be hiding it underneath my jacket if they are really making people do this.

I can't believe they would really do something so stupid.

Updated On: 2/22/12 at 12:20 PM

[spike3]

Posted: 2/22/12 at 12:24pm

I do not believe that it goes so far as to include purses. Its most likely the usual, back packs, luggage, shopping bags, and the odd toaster oven that one just has to buy before going to the theatre

[hushpuppy]

Posted: 2/22/12 at 2:45pm

Gee! Imagine the joy of being actually being able to hear dialog without having to strain over the rustling of Century 21 bags.

[littlebutterfly10]

Posted: 2/22/12 at 3:31pm

"I do not believe that it goes so far as to include purses. Its most likely the usual, back packs, luggage, shopping bags, and the odd toaster oven that one just has to buy before going to the theatre."

I saw Death of a Salesman on Saturday and this seemed to be the case. At any rate, no one gave me any problems about keeping my purse with me.

[tazber]

Posted: 2/22/12 at 4:19pm

I would so rig my bag with a springy snake.

And even if I had ten thousand ones I would always tell them I have no cash...but here are 100 pennies for you.

Also, be sure to let them know that there are uncovered hypodermics in there so watch out! And of course used tissues because I have walking pneumonia.

Utterly absurd to charge for this.

[spike3]

Posted: 2/22/12 at 4:26pm

tazber, bag check as in you have to put it in the coat room and pay them $2 (that would be 200 pennies) to keep it there for the duration of the performance.

Of course there is already the going thru of bags (by in house security) before you enter the theatre. And yes we all know not every bag is given the once over

[binau]

Posted: 2/22/12 at 4:29pm

First megaupload and now this. The bootlegging community is going to be in shambles!!

[tazber]

Posted: 2/22/12 at 4:39pm

D'oh. I feel like an idiot.
I assumed that they were checking for stuff because I couldn't imagine some of their theaters have room for bag storage.

[broadwaydevil]

Posted: 2/22/12 at 6:18pm

If it's mandatory, charging for it is ludicrous. I often carry a small satchel with me. Would that be checked? A few women I know who have seen Death of a Salesman told me their small purses weren't required to be checked but people with shopping bags and those huge (I don't even know what to call them) handbags were forced to check them. Apparently there was a bit of an uproar as there should be. It's not only the principle of having to pay for a "mandatory" service, but it's also the practicality issue. I often have a train to catch, a dinner reservation to make, etc. after a show and I have no interest in waiting on line with 1000 of my closest friends to get a bag back. Let's hope this practice ends.

[thetinymagic2]

Posted: 2/22/12 at 6:54pm

Yeah, and the poor, underpaid Theatre Refreshment person who has to stay late and do "coatroom". This "rule" can not be enforced totally,...perhaps the company mgr. and the actors don't want to hear incessant crinkling during the show. Or, it could be a legit "security" issue. The security guys usually try to scope out potential "trouble baggage", not everyone. Anyway, the House Mgrs. have much more OTHER stuff to contend with, like having the usher staff seat people on time, and take care of complaining customers, etc.. It's kinda pick and choose. Of course, they can't "force" any one to check things. That would be un-american, no? lol. This practice is nothing new, btw.

[nasty_khakis]

Posted: 2/22/12 at 7:00pm

Years ago when I did standing room for "Spamalot" I was told that I MUST check my small bag. I honestly had no cash on me and since the show was about to start I calmly talked to the bag check person and they agreed to check it for free since it was mandatory.

I agree this policy is completely ridiculous. Who's to say what's small enough or too large? I often cary a small messenger bag that's actually smaller than most purses. If I'm ever forced to check yet you can be sure I'll point to every purse around me and say "What about that?"

[Eris0303]

Posted: 2/22/12 at 9:50pm

I agree with what everyone has said about the charge. If you're going to say "you HAVE to do this" then there shouldn't be a charge.

At the same time I understand why it's being done. I'm sure we've all had run ins with the tourist who has to go to every store in Times Square and buy enough stuff to fill a shopping bag at each before coming to the theatre. Now those shopping bags are creating a hazard at the theatre.

But, again - don't charge for it if you're going to force people to do it.

Updated On: 2/22/12 at 09:50 PM

[theatreguy]

Posted: 2/22/12 at 10:14pm

Didn't they try this a few years ago? I remember picking up tickets for a show and being told about a mandatory bag check. It seemed to have lasted for a few weeks and then apparently ended when it became too much of a hassle to enforce.

[AC126748]

Posted: 2/22/12 at 10:22pm

I had a small tote bag with me when I saw DEATH OF A SALESMAN (as I was coming straight from work) and was not required to check it, if that helps anyone.

[Dollypop]

Posted: 2/22/12 at 10:27pm

I carry a small satchel that contains my diabetes emergency kit. There's no way I'll let them check that. I might need something during a performance.