I know that photography is strictly forbidden at all Broadway shows but I am wondering if there is any type of "coat check" equivalent for those that are in the city during the tourist thing prior to taking in a show. I'm staying outside the city, so I don't want to have to commute back to my hotel (I know, I know, another reason I SHOULD have booked a room in the city) in order to drop off my camera. I ran into a similiar situation in Chicago but they did not check for cameras and I didn't pull it out so there was no problem. Any words of wisdom on the topic Broadway hounds?

I don't remember ever seeing anyone checking for cameras at a Broadway show.

You can't use cameras, but you can certainly carry them on your person. I'd suggest you put your camera in a discrete bag so you aren't hassled, but simply having one in your possession isn't going to prevent you from going into the show.

Thanks Nikki and Doug! I was hoping that was the case but I didn't want to find out (too late) that there was some sort of airport security system that I'd have to go through and get my camera confiscated.

I think since the days when everyone's cell phone is also a camera, they decided there was no point in trying to "confiscate" or forbid cameras, like they once did. And yes, I clearly remember back in the 60's having to hand over my camera -- in an obvious camera case -- when I entered, and pick it up later at the refreshment counter.

I did have to hand in my camera at a show in Paris a couple years ago. They were looking through bags at the door. But not in New York. Don't know about the sixties; while I was going to shows then, I wasn't carrying cameras.

It was practice to confiscate a camera if it was being used during a performance. The film would be taken and the patron was offered to pay for development so that they could keep any no performance related pictures.

You should have no problem carrying a camera. Just don't use it!!!

Have a wonderful trip

I've taken photos in the theater before and after the performance with no problems. Though you could get an usher that feels differently.

Keith

Sorry Keith, just because you got away with it doesn't make it right! LOL!

Photography is forbidden during the performance.
Having a camera in the theatre isn't. I've taken many a photo before or after the performance.

Actually there used to be no problem before or after a show, but now more often than not, that IS a problem as well. Why? Because that design or logo on the show curtain is likely protected, and shows like Wicked have an amazing amount of scenery showing in front of the stage. All those things are NOT allowed to be photographed for possible reproduction.

I'll remember that next time I consider paying $15 for a special show program.

Yes, that's one reason why they don't want everyone taking pictures. There's a lot of income in those souvenir programs.

No one cares if you have a camera in your purse or backpack. You're just not allowed to use it during the show. And I can't imagine any coat check would take one - they wouldn't want to be responsible.

When all else fails, go to the source. Here is the actual "WARNING" listed in Playbill -- I just checked it and found it in the first three Playbills I looked at -- for the Eugene O'Neill (Spring Awakening), for the Gershwin (Wicked), and for The Broadway (The Color Purple). I can only assume that most theatres have the same warning:

"The photographing or sound recording of any performance or THE POSSESSION OF ANY DEVICE FOR SUCH PHOTOGRAPHING OR SOUND RECORDING inside this theatre, without the written permission of the management, is prohibited by law. Violators will be punished by ejection and violations may render the offender liable for money damages."

Clearly this warning is not always carried out, but I would hardly say that "nobody cares" if you have a camera.

And regarding coatchecks, I was somewhat surprised last winter (we're normally there in summer) that quite a number of theatres have NO coat check facilities at all.

I realize that the main issue here deals with copyright protection, but having spent many years doing stage performances........having flashes go off or seeing "glares" off of camera lenses during a performance is very distracting.

Just another view.......