In the past, we've only allowed patrons to bring drinks into our outdoor theatre. We are now considering a plan to provide lids for hot and cold beverages into both our Bowmer Theatre (capacity 600) and our Thomas Theatre (Capacity varies by configuration 240-360).
Have other theatres implemented this? What were the results? What did you learn & change about the policy?
Thanks!
David Walper - Oregon Shakespeare Festival
For several years we have not allowed drinks in to the main auditorium other than plastic bottled water. However, we have experimented with allowing alcoholic drinks in. However, our experience (of a british audience) for musicals (broadway style shows) was not great in terms of patrons causing disruption. So as a rule we don't allow them in but on a show by show basis we review it, so if we have a one night show (possibly comedy) we may allow them to be taken in if the artists rider allows it.
In terms of results some audience members liked it, some hated it ("its not theatre to allow drinks in" style comments) and in terms of extra cash we didn't see a significant increase in income.
We would never allow hot drinks in as even with lids on the potential from disruption is someone spilled it on someone else is too great.
Hope that helps.