Gershwin Theatre Rules

Gershwin Theatre staff wants every visitor and guest to have a great time during their visit. But that means a set of rules and policies have been put in place to make sure everyone stays safe and comfortable during their visit. Please be sure to read these rules – or better contact the venue directly and get the latest rules. If you have any questions about these rules please contact the venue at 212-586-6510.

Bag Screening

Bag checks are mandatory, so be prepared for a quick inspection when you arrive. Large items (luggage, shopping bags, oversized packages) won’t be allowed inside and can’t be checked at the theater, so plan ahead if you’re carrying more than what fits comfortably at your seat.

Smaller bags like purses and backpacks are fine, but keep them with you at all times. Unattended bags will not be tolerated, so hold onto your belongings and enjoy the show worry-free.

Do not leave your personal bags (purses, backpacks) unattended while in the theatre.

Children Policy

The Gershwin Theatre welcomes guests ages 5 and up, with Wicked recommended for children 8 and older. For the comfort of all audience members, children under 5 will not be admitted. Every guest, regardless of age, must have their own ticket.

Concessions And Food Policy

There are two bars located on the theatre’s second floor and two bars located on the fourth floor where alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages as well as snacks can be purchased. Bottled water and beverages with secure tops are permitted in the auditorium. The bars begin serving patrons 45 minutes prior to the start of the performance and at intermission.

Gershwin Theatre and other Nederlander Theatres do not permit outside food or beverages.

Patrons seeking to bring in their own food or drink because the food or drink is necessary for medical reasons shall be permitted to bring such food or drink into the theater.

It is imperative for patrons to understand that not only do the theatres sell peanut-related products, it is impossible for any theatre to designate peanut-free seating zones since staff cannot control what food products patrons may bring into the theatres.

COVID-19 Policies

Masks are optional but strongly encouraged for performances until further notice. Certain events may have further requirements. Please refer to the event description or call the venue.

Exchanges/Refunds

All ticket purchases are final and tickets may not be exchanged or refunded. If an event is canceled or postponed, please call the venue for further instructions.

Dress Code

There’s no strict dress code at the Gershwin Theatre. Just wear something comfortable and fitting for a night on Broadway. Feel like dressing up to the nines in black tie attire? Fantastic! Prefer to keep things lowkey? No problem. 

That said, the air conditioning is no joke, so bring a sweater or jacket if you feel the cold. Costumes? Sure. Just be mindful of others during your visit. If your witch hat is taller than Elphaba’s high notes, it’ll need to come off before the show starts.

Latecomers

Seating for late arrivals depends on your section. Orchestra-level patrons may be asked to wait in the lobby until about 20 minutes into the show, at which point an usher will escort them to their seats. It’s a great chance to check out the American Theatre Hall of Fame.

Lost & Found

Did you lose an item at the Gershwin Theatre? Please visit guest services to see if your item was turned in. Otherwise call the venue and offer complete information about your lost item and your contact info.

A member of their customer service team will be in touch with an update.

Patron Security

For the protection of our patrons, theatre managers and private security personnel are on duty during all performances.

Prohibited Items

Do not carry any of these items into the security screening area. Items that are confiscated will not be returned. If you are unsure about any item, do not bring it to the theatre.

• » All weapons are strictly prohibited, including but not limited to: firearms, ammunition, knives, swords, scissors, OC spray (mace), any dangerous items, and weapons of any kind
• » Outside food or beverage
• » Large professional cameras or video recording equipment
• » Flashlights or laser pointers
• » Illegal substances
• » Noise making devices or fireworks
• » Any other item deemed dangerous or inappropriate by security or management

The Gershwin Theatre has the right to refuse entry if any of the above is not adhered to.

Restrooms

Restrooms are located on the second and fourth floors of the theatre.

Smoking

Gershwin Theatre is a non-smoking facility. As such, smoking (including e-cigarettes) is prohibited in the Gershwin Theatre.

Food and drink

The Gershwin Theatre has you covered when it comes to drinks and snacks. You’ll find bars located on the second and fourth floors, serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, plus snacks to purchase. Bars open 45 minutes before showtime and again at intermission, so you’ll have plenty of time to grab a drink before the curtain rises.

Bringing your own food or drinks? Not allowed. The Gershwin has a no-outside-food policy. That said, if you need to bring something for medical reasons, you’re absolutely welcome to do so.

Inside the auditorium, bottled water and drinks with secure lids are allowed – so you can sip without spills while enjoying the show.

Items NOT ALLOWED the Gershwin 

• » Weapons of any kind are strictly prohibited. This includes, but isn’t limited to, firearms, ammunition, and knives.
• » Outside food or beverage
• » Large professional cameras or video recording equipment
• » Flashlights or laser pointers
• » Drugs and other illegal substances
• » Fireworks and noise-making devices