As protests around the country surrounding George Floyd’s death in police custody continue, protestors are calling on organizations and companies to support the demonstrations in any way they can. Now, New York theaters are opening their doors as safe spaces for those taking part in the protests.
On Wednesday (June 3), organizers began using the hashtag #OpenYourLobby, calling on theaters to allow protestors inside their buildings to use restrooms, charge their phones, and take water, snacks and first aid while protesting against police brutality and discrimination.
Since the hashtag began, a number of New York theaters have announced that they will be opening their doors to protestors, including the Atlantic Theater Company, the Public Theater, New York Theatre Workshop and Signature Theatre in Manhattan, and Irondale Center and A.R.T. New York’s South Oxford Space in Brooklyn.
Theaters around the country, including in Boston, Austin, Washington D.C. and elsewhere, also announced that they would be joining the campaign.
A number of artists, from both on and off Broadway, took to social media to spread the word about the #OpenYourLobby initiative. Here are just a few reactions:
