New York City Theaters Open Doors as Safe Space for Protestors
(Photo: Joseph Augstein)
In wake of the ongoing protests demanding justice for the murder of George Floyd and racial equality, several New York City theaters have opened their doors to provide a safe space. Closed due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, some theater lobbies have offered protesters bathrooms, water and a place to rest. The new account @OpenYourLobby is encouraging theaters to "repurpose their spaces in support of protesters nationwide fighting racism and injustice." Be sure to check the theater's social media accounts for daily updates.
Here are some theaters participating:
Manhattan
Address: 425 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10003
The Public Theater, which recently postponed its We Are One Public event, announced on that its restrooms would be available for public use until 6PM. Be sure to check the account for daily updates.
NYC, we hear you. If you are heading out to protest today, our restrooms are open from 2pm to 6pm today, June 3. We will have staff volunteers on hand to help facilitate social distancing.
— The Public Theater (@PublicTheaterNY) June 3, 2020
Address: 416 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036
Playwrights Horizons, which recently presented the Pulitzer Prize-winning A Strange Loop, is opening its lobby from 12-6PM Monday through Friday. Snacks, water, hand sanitizer and personal protection equipment will be handed out as well.
Standing in solidarity with those fighting for racial justice, our foyer will be open starting on Friday to offer WiFi, AC, a place to rest/reflect, and any other supplies we may have (PPE, sanitizer, snacks, water) to those who need it. Hours are 12–6 PM M–F. #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/J42mYYc0xR
— Playwrights Horizons (@phnyc) June 3, 2020
Address: 79 E 4th St, New York, NY 10003
Although New York Theater Workshop has not publicly announced its lobby being open, there are several reports that the space is allowing protestors inside to use the bathrooms and receive shelter through 5:30PM.
Address: 154 Christopher St, New York, NY 10014
IRT Theater, a grassroots lab for independent theater artists such as Reggie Watts, is opening for two people at a time and encouraging social distancing.
Today, 2:00 - 5:30pm. Thanks to National Queer Theater for helping to set it up. Daniel from @OneEighth1 will be in the lobby to let folks in. We stand with all protestors. Come recharge. #BlackLivesMatter #OpenYourLobby pic.twitter.com/sHDAcPLwoN
— IRT Theater (@IRTTheater) June 3, 2020
Atlantic Theater's Linda Gross Theater
Address: 336 W 20th St, New York, NY 10011
Atlantic Theater is opening up its Linda Gross Theater beginning Thursday, June 4 from 12-7PM.
We’re please to join the #OpenYourLobby movement. Starting tomorrow, we're opening our Linda Gross Theater to #BlackLivesMatter protesters fighting for racial justice, 12-7. Bathrooms, space, water & snacks available. Hats off to our peer theaters & alumni for leading the charge!
— Atlantic Theater (@AtlanticTheater) June 3, 2020
The Pershing Square Signature Center
Address: 480 West 42nd Street New York, NY 10036
Singature Theater is opening its Pershing Square Signature Center lobby beginning Thursday, June 4 from 2-7PM. Free wifi, snacks and water will be available. Protestors are encouraged to wear maks for continued safety.
Hey! @SignatureTheatr will #OpenYourLobby beginning 6/4! Full details below: pic.twitter.com/BILJ00MrWu
— Open Your Lobby (@openyourlobby) June 4, 2020
Address: 45 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10012
SubCulture NYC, the popular downtown music venue, will open the lobby of its theater beginning Friday, June, 5 from 1:00-4:30PM.
Friday, June 5 from 1pm-4:30pm, our lobby will be open as a rest stop for protesters. #OpenYourLobby pic.twitter.com/XPZC3BI512
— SubCulture NYC (@SubCulture_NYC) June 4, 2020
Address: 505 E 6th St New York, NY 10009
Club Cumming, the buzzy cabaret bar owned by Tony winner Alan Cumming, is officially opening its doors from 12-4PM. Protestors will be provided with water, first aid, personal protective equipment and more.
GREAT news! @ClubCumming will #OpenYourLobby for protesters beginning on Friday, 6/5 from 12-4PM! Address: 505 E 6th St, New York, NY // Details & supplies list below: pic.twitter.com/qXtcLxho05
— Open Your Lobby (@openyourlobby) June 4, 2020
Brooklyn
A.R.T./New York's South Oxford Space
Address: 138 S. Oxford St, Brooklyn, NY 11217
A.R.T./New York is opening up its South Oxford Space as shelter for protestors from 12-6PM through Friday, June 6.
In solidarity with the Movement for Black Lives, South Oxford Space's lobby in FORT GREENE, BK will be open as a comfort station from 12pm-6pm to shelter protestors through Friday, 6/5. SOS is located at 138 S. Oxford St, Brooklyn, NY 11217. pic.twitter.com/W820Sj7EGY
— A.R.T./New York (@artny72) June 3, 2020
Address: 85 S Oxford St, Brooklyn, NY 11217
Irondale Center, a Brooklyn theater dedicated to ensemble performance, is staying open through 7PM to give bathroom access, snacks and water to those protesting.
irondale is open 12-7 every day for protestor support near the barclays center #blacklivesmatter #nycprotest #brooklynprotest #brooklyn #openyourlobby pic.twitter.com/9kLbyYiile
— ali sousa ✨ (@alisousa4) June 4, 2020