Policies on large bags at theatres...

[inlovewithjerryherman]

Posted: 3/7/06 at 12:08pm

Does anyone know how theatres feel about bringing backpacks or large shoulder bags into theatres? I ask because i plan to make a quick jaunt up the NY from Philly and I'll need to have my laptop with me, so I'd need a bag for it. Does nayone know the policies on this at most theatres?

[camerangel]

Posted: 3/7/06 at 12:10pm

they will more than likely check it to make sure it's not camera equipment etc.. But all the NYC theatres that I have been in let you take backpacks.

[Calvin]

Posted: 3/7/06 at 12:11pm

Some theatres have places to check in your bags -- but not all of them do. Best to check ahead. If it's so big you're not going to be able to fit it underneath your seat, it could be a problem. Sometimes the ushers will let you store it in the lobby, but they're not going to be sitting and guarding it, either, so you're taking a risk.
Updated On: 3/7/06 at 12:11 PM

[camerangel]

Posted: 3/7/06 at 12:18pm

Actually now that I think about it I dont believe you are allowed to take backpacks into the Shubert (Spamalot).. If you have an idea on what you plan to see definately check with the theatre ahead of time.

In my experience they are resonable, especially considering many people ride the Metro into the city and therfore have to bring a backpack etc.

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 3/7/06 at 12:25pm

I always have a bag with me. It's sometimes looked through (for a split second), but no one has ever asked me to check it. People really don't care.

What theatres DON'T have a coat check? I thought all of them did.

[Calvin]

Posted: 3/7/06 at 12:26pm

Helen Hayes doesn't. More surprisingly, Brooks Atkinson doesn't. Those are the only two that come to mind.

[Magdalene]

Posted: 3/7/06 at 12:30pm

I've taken large shoulder totes into theaters (including the Schubert), and never had a problem---i'm not hiding anything, so if they want to search, so be it!

[Fosse76]

Posted: 3/7/06 at 12:31pm

The Neil Simon and Circle in the Square don't have a coat check either.

[Gingersnap]

Posted: 3/7/06 at 12:37pm

Well, I'm assuming...as others have said...it depends on the theatre. I went to the Majestic one night with my messenger bag, a shopping bag, and I was carrying some of my friend's shopping (the shopping trip wasn't my idea)...and they didn't care...they just peeked to see if I had any stuff for bootlegging.

Few weeks ago, I went to Forbidden Broadway with a large messenger bag, my backpack, and a garmnet bag. It was awkward to manage, but no one at the theatre cared.

[Esther]

Posted: 3/7/06 at 12:37pm

IIRC, Circle in the Square has lockers downstairs for people to use at a nominal fee.
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[Calvin]

Posted: 3/7/06 at 12:39pm

Truly, I don't think many theaters care beyond the point of possibly inspecting it. I carry a messenger bag all the time and no one cares. Just realize if it's too big of a big and you can't check it, it's going to be a pain for you and probably your neighbors during the show.

[Fosse76]

Posted: 3/7/06 at 1:11pm

"IIRC, Circle in the Square has lockers downstairs for people to use at a nominal fee. "

That is true, but they aren't big.

[sanda]

Posted: 3/7/06 at 1:53pm

Each time when I carried a big bag into theatre, they will search it then let me go.

[orangeskittles]

Posted: 3/7/06 at 8:43pm

I have brought luggage into theaters before, usually when I'm leaving Sunday night after a show, and checked it. I only had my bags searched once, and that was at The Producers on New Years weekend.

[dancingthrulife04]

Posted: 3/7/06 at 8:45pm

I ran to se elittle Women (at the August Wilson) right after a dance class, and they had no problem with me carrying my dance bag in (which I would venture to say is larger than a lap top).

[Marlene]

Posted: 3/7/06 at 8:56pm

I'm brought a small duffle (kind of big, but it still fit under my seat) in to Netherlander without a problem...

[Type_A_Tiff]

Posted: 3/7/06 at 9:14pm

Keep in mind that if you do Spamalot SRO, they're ridiculous and make you carry your bags the entire time instead of putting them on the ground (even between your legs). On the other hand, Spelling Bee asks that you put them down so you're not bopping the person in the row in front with them.

[starletta8]

Posted: 3/7/06 at 9:16pm

I usually carry a large handbag, or a messenger bag. Most theaters don't even check, but I'd be fine if they wanted to look in my bag. Especially during the week, most women in NY tend to carry large bags because we're always hauling a ton of stuff over the course of a day.

So, I wouldn't worry about it.