bringing a backpack into theater?

[trec1080]

Posted: 10/17/07 at 12:54pm

Im going up to see le mis this coming weekend, and pretty much going directly from the airport to the show. Does anyone know if they allow backpacks in the theater?

thanks

[Little-Lotte]

Posted: 10/17/07 at 1:00pm

Well if it's a backpack they'll probably "check it" before they let you in. Basically shine a little flashlight in there to make sure you don't have a camera or something else that you shouldn't. Depending on how bulky or "luggage" like it is, I believe you can check the bag once you get in the theater so you don't have to have it at your seat with you.

[ClumsyDude15]

Posted: 10/17/07 at 1:04pm

When I went to see Lion King, this kiddie camp was there and they had huge backpacks, and my aunt who use to work for the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia and the Tweeter Center in New Jersey was shocked when they went unchecked into the show.

This was about two or three years ago.
I'm sure it much stricter now.

[AngActing]

Posted: 10/17/07 at 1:10pm

I bring my backpack to most every show I go to . . . as I carry a backpack daily. And it has a camera in it, usually. I do photography classes and such and take pictures in NY.

Not once, at a Broadway theatre has it been checked or looked into with a flashlight -- or at all!

I have as recently as October 7, 2007 and August 4, 2007 been to both "Rent" and "Wicked" on Broadway and haven't even been looked at, looked over or checked for anything with my backpack. And yes, had my camera and/or camcorder everytime. [BUT I DO NOT USE IT IN THE THEATRE, AT ALL -- ONLY AT THE STAGE DOOR AFTER].

Updated On: 10/17/07 at 01:10 PM

[MotorTink]

Posted: 10/17/07 at 1:12pm

I've seen some peoples backpacks and large purses quickly searched at a few different shows. I am trying to think of the most recent and I think it was at Curtains.

[turquoisefish]

Posted: 10/17/07 at 1:18pm

In London I have often had a backpack or camera bag with me, always with a camera! I have had it checked by security often (though not predictably) and never had a problem taking it in and putting it under my seat.

I don't think they can really stop you taking a camera in, maybe if you have the book "How to film Wicked and get away with it" then they would get more suspicious.

[MotorTink]

Posted: 10/17/07 at 1:22pm

What I found comical about RENT during "The Return" was that they made a point of putting that over sized slip in the playbills about recording/picture taking being illegal, blah blah. Yet I think there are probably video/audio bootlegs out there for at least 75% of the performances in those 2 months.

[turquoisefish]

Posted: 10/17/07 at 1:24pm

My friend got me a playbill from Rent and it had a big slip in it about that, but it wasn't OBC or anything like that. It did seem silly.

[broadwayjim42]

Posted: 10/17/07 at 1:29pm

I carry one all the time and they usually have me open the biggest pocket and then send me on my way.

[pc1145N2]

Posted: 10/17/07 at 3:39pm

I carry a messenger bag that was checked at several shows including The Drowsy Chaperone however there were many many women who had purses that were twice the size and they went unchecked. There doesn't seem to be any consistency...just whim.

[BigFatBlonde]

Posted: 10/17/07 at 3:44pm

pc1145N2, I know what you mean about the purse thing.. I've seen it too.

[jaystarr]

Posted: 10/17/07 at 3:56pm

I carry a messenger bag too ( contains-camera , playbills, pens ) Funny you said that bec. last year I seen 33 Broadway shows and the only one show they check my bag was at the....


MARQUIS THEATER for The Drowsy Chaperone.

Note : I saw new shows last year with exeptions of Drowsy, Hairspray , The Producers & Avenue Q.. I think on some shows .. I dont have a bag.



J*

Updated On: 10/17/07 at 03:56 PM

[bwaylvsong]

Posted: 10/17/07 at 5:23pm

I almost always bring a backpack, and it was only looked into once or twice.

[Dover]

Posted: 10/17/07 at 6:41pm

I got a last-minute comp to an evening performance of Journey's End just after finishing a matinee. No time to dump my backpack before the show, so I had to bring it. I spent the whole night profusely apologizing to the usher who had to search it and everyone in my row. They didn't give me any problems, though. I was just embarrassed at accidentally being an unprepared patron.

[Wildcard]

Posted: 10/17/07 at 6:46pm

I've gone directly from the airport into the theater and have had no problems bringing my backpack in. However, if they asked to inspect it, I think it would be reasonable. As long as my underwear doesn't spill out in full view of everyone, I'm fine with it.

[philly03]

Posted: 10/17/07 at 7:16pm

Actually I saw Les Mis and they stopped two people with backpacks and weren't allowed to take them to their seats with them. However, they were eating and held up the line so it could have just been a special case. But they're pretty uptight I must say at the Broadhurst for some reason. Don't attempt to take a picture of the stage before the show! (oops)

[popular_elphie]

Posted: 10/17/07 at 7:26pm

All the bags I carry are pretty large, and I've never once had them checked. I think that at most theatres, you can shove them under your legs and it's not a problem.