The Struggle of Telecharge Digital Rush

[quizking101]

Posted: 5/31/25 at 11:19am

Telecharge Digital Rush was always a crappy system seemingly held together by string, chewing gum, rudimentary code and prayer, but when there were fewer shows available, it always seemed to work, though it took time. 

Now that it has so many more shows available, as well as “cancellation tickets” for certain shows, I’m finding myself getting four different versions of error codes (system errors, not “sold out” prompts) whenever I try to log in and it’s frustrating because it seems they don’t have the bandwidth to accommodate all the people looking for rush tickets. 

TodayTix is clearly the smoother platform with digital rush, so why won’t Telecharge consider merging with them? The Shubert Org already sells their shows on there anyway so what would be the big difference? It’s clear they aren’t going to upgrade their own platform so why not partner with a successful one?

[FolliesCabaret]

Posted: 5/31/25 at 11:24am

I agree that TodayTix is the superior option in terms of UI, but if Telecharge doesn't figure its stuff out I wouldn't be too mad. Sometimes it takes 15-30 minutes to get a rush ticket to appear on Telecharge for me, but if I wait long enough I am always able to get a ticket from them via their rush. TodayTix feels like a waste of time sometimes for the more popular shows - and I go away empty handed more times than not.

[Kad]

Posted: 5/31/25 at 12:18pm

This may be "old man yells at cloud" but I do think we lost something when rushes and lotteries went to being online as opposed to showing up in person at the theater. The convenience of being able to sign up for them anywhere from your phone was a trade-off that brought in glitches, lowered odds of getting tickets, and the elimination of a nice way to meet folks. 

[quizking101]

Posted: 5/31/25 at 2:26pm

Kad said: "This may be "old man yells at cloud" but I do think we lost something when rushes and lotteries went to being online as opposed to showing up in person at the theater. The convenience of being able to sign up for them anywhere from your phone was a trade-off that brought in glitches, lowered odds of getting tickets, and the elimination of a nice way to meet folks."

I partially agree. I enjoyed the days of coming in to rush and in-person lotteries. But also, the issue was that if you lost, you were screwed unless you had a backup plan.

I know Telecharge does have the benefit that it doesn’t go live until 11 so that those who rush in person get first crack, but even then, I’ve grown accustomed to the digitization since I don’t live in the city (Central NJ) and don’t want to waste a trip in.

[Jonathan Cohen]

Posted: 5/31/25 at 5:55pm

Kad said: "This may be "old man yells at cloud" but I do think we lost something when rushes and lotteries went to being online as opposed to showing up in person at the theater. The convenience of being able to sign up for them anywhere from your phone was a trade-off that brought in glitches, lowered odds of getting tickets, and the elimination of a nice way to meet folks."

Maybe this is just my personality, but I've found in certain instances, the digital options make me less likely to see a show. Like with Dorian Gray and Good Night and Good Luck, I just took it for granted I would eventually win the digital lottery and because of their massive popularity haven't. If there wasn't a digital lottery, I'm sure I would have been more aggressive in doing the in-person rush and seen them already.   

[Scarywarhol]

Posted: 6/1/25 at 2:15pm

I really appreciate it when shows do in-person rushes still. It rewards you for showing up. I've basically given up on the TodayTix lottos and rushes. I understand there are accessibility reasons to do digital, but there are so many disadvantages and I'm glad that it seems like a lot of shows are doing both now. I've done the Gypsy rush several times and enjoy the line. And not being sure you'll get the show you want is part of the fun, sometimes--ending up seeing something else. 

[witchoftheeast2]

Posted: 6/2/25 at 9:22am

It's kind of a- would you call it a catch-22 where yes, it would be great for people who can line up, but then you have people who work during the week and can't make it to the theater because they have to be at work before 10am. Digital rush levels the playing field. 

[gibsons2]

Posted: 6/2/25 at 9:28am

witchoftheeast2 said: "It's kind of a- would you call it a catch-22 where yes, it would be great for people who can line up, but then you have people who work during the week and can't make it to the theater because they have to be at work before 10am. Digital rush levels the playing field."

Thank you. It's weird people wish for for less accessible rush tickets. Must be nice to have the privilege of being unemployed, able bodied and NYC resident.

[bjh2114]

Posted: 6/2/25 at 9:42am

gibsons2 said: "witchoftheeast2 said: "It's kind of a- would you call it a catch-22 where yes, it would be great for people who can line up, but then you have people who work during the week and can't make it to the theater because they have to be at work before 10am. Digital rush levels the playing field."

Thank you. It's weird people wish for for less accessible rush tickets. Must be nice to have the privilege of being unemployed, able bodiedand NYC resident."

But like... maybe those employed people with regular salaries can support the arts by paying for regular tickets (either full price or with a discount code). Not gonna lie, I miss the times when most "rush" tickets were for students and all other "day-of" cheap seats for the masses were by in-person lottery. Digital rush and lotteries have actually made these shows LESS accessible for those who benefit from the discounts the most. And yes, I know not everyone who is employed full-time can afford full-price tickets, though many can. And yes, I know that students can sign up for TDF, but not all shows end up on TDF.

[witchoftheeast2]

Posted: 6/2/25 at 9:55am

bjh2114 said: "gibsons2 said: "witchoftheeast2 said: "It's kind of a- would you call it a catch-22 where yes, it would be great for people who can line up, but then you have people who work during the week and can't make it to the theater because they have to be at work before 10am. Digital rush levels the playing field."

Thank you. It's weird people wish for for less accessible rush tickets. Must be nice to have the privilege of being unemployed, able bodiedand NYC resident."

But like... maybe those employed people with regular salaries can support the arts by paying for regular tickets (either full price or with a discount code). Not gonna lie, I miss the times when most "rush" tickets were for students and all other "day-of" cheap seats for the masses were by in-person lottery. Digital rush and lotteries have actually made these shows LESS accessible for those who benefit from the discounts the most. And yes, I know not everyone who is employed full-time can afford full-price tickets, though many can. And yes, I know that students can sign up for TDF, but not all shows end up on TDF."

You're assuming that those people make a living that lets them pay full price. Never assume that, because it's not necessarily true. They also rely on discounts, lottery, rush- never, ever assume things like that 

 

ETA: I read the rest of your comment, sorry about that. But it's still rude to say "you make a living, you should pay full price". No one gets to dictate that. Those people still have bills to pay, other things to pay for, so they rely on discounts/lottery to see shows too. 

Updated On: 6/2/25 at 09:55 AM

[Scarywarhol]

Posted: 6/2/25 at 10:21am

On weekdays I've historically mostly rushed after work, shows that offer it frequently don't actually stop in the morning unless it's a real sellout in my experience. Or maybe I'm just a box office whisperer. (I do try.)

Updated On: 6/2/25 at 10:21 AM

[bjh2114]

Posted: 6/2/25 at 10:30am

witchoftheeast2 said: "ETA: I read the rest of your comment, sorry about that. But it's still rude to say "you make a living, you should pay full price". No one gets to dictate that. Those people still have bills to pay, other things to pay for, so they rely on discounts/lottery to see shows too."

 That's why I mentioned discount codes, which admittedly aren't available for all productions. Still, I'm much more in favor of giving easier access to people who haven't entered the work force yet.

[witchoftheeast2]

Posted: 6/2/25 at 10:38am

bjh2114 said: "witchoftheeast2 said: "ETA: I read the rest of your comment, sorry about that. But it's still rude to say "you make a living, you should pay full price". No one gets to dictate that. Those people still have bills to pay, other things to pay for, so they rely on discounts/lottery to see shows too."

That's why I mentioned discount codes, which admittedly aren't available for all productions. Still, I'm much more in favor of giving easier access to people who haven't entered the work force yet."

Did you know that some shows have a 30 under 30 rush program? Don't you think that's easy access for those who can make the trip into the city, or are visiting? Is that not accessible? It shouldn't be limited to those who haven't entered the workforce, and they should not be given priority. That's completely unfair 

ETA: I love that they have the 30U30, that should exist. But rush only for those who haven't entered the workforce? No. 

Updated On: 6/2/25 at 10:38 AM

[gibsons2]

Posted: 6/2/25 at 10:48am

bjh2114 said: "witchoftheeast2 said: "ETA: I read the rest of your comment, sorry about that. But it's still rude to say "you make a living, you should pay full price". No one gets to dictate that. Those people still have bills to pay, other things to pay for, so they rely on discounts/lottery to see shows too."

That's why I mentioned discount codes, which admittedly aren't available for all productions. Still, I'm much more in favor of giving easier access to people who haven't entered the work force yet."

By "haven't entered the workforce yet" you mean, of course, their credit card bills are paid by mommy and daddy every month, right? Right... Working people deserve to have their fair shot at getting cheap rush and lottery just based on the simple fact that Broadway investors get perpetual tax write offs for the shows that are financial flops, which is majority of them. Taxpayers (working people) never cease to fund these budget deficits. Who do you think pays for all these arts federal/state grants and tax credits?

Updated On: 6/2/25 at 10:48 AM

[Kad]

Posted: 6/2/25 at 11:26am

Rushes and lotteries aren't the sole avenue to cheaper tickets and sometimes they are barely less expensive than going through those other routes. And working people are still less able to make these day-of or even day-before plans than students generally, regardless of whether the rushes are digital or in person. 

I wasn't saying get rid of digital rushes/lotteries- I was just saying that I thought there was a lot of good in doing them in person even if they weren't perfect. Yes, they were less accessible and you couldn't plan around them as easily. But at the same time, if you showed up early enough, you were guaranteed a ticket and you were there with people with a common interest. And pretending this was something only rich, privileged kids were able to do is just false. 

Updated On: 6/2/25 at 11:26 AM

[gibsons2]

Posted: 6/2/25 at 11:34am

Kad said: "Rushes and lotteries aren't the sole avenue to cheaper tickets and sometimes they are barely less expensive than going through those other routes.

I wasn't saying get rid of digital rushes/lotteries- I was just saying that I thought there was a lot of good in doing them in person even if they weren't perfect. Yes, they were less accessible and you couldn't plan around them as easily. But at the same time, if you showed up early enough, you were guaranteed a ticket and you were there with people with a common interest. And pretending this was something only rich, privileged kids were able to do is just false."

Well, majority of the shows still have in person general rush, in addition to digital. So nothing prevents you from showing up at a box office on a random Tuesday and make friends at 5am if that's your thing. This "in-person rush" gatekeeping is truly bizarre. 

Updated On: 6/2/25 at 11:34 AM

[witchoftheeast2]

Posted: 6/2/25 at 11:43am

gibsons2 said: "Kad said: "Rushes and lotteries aren't the sole avenue to cheaper tickets and sometimes they are barely less expensive than going through those other routes.

I wasn't saying get rid of digital rushes/lotteries- I was just saying that I thought there was a lot of good in doing them in person even if they weren't perfect. Yes, they were less accessible and you couldn't plan around them as easily. But at the same time, if you showed up early enough, you were guaranteed a ticket and you were there with people with a common interest. And pretending this was something only rich, privileged kids were able to do is just false."

Well, majority of the shows still have in person general rush, in addition to digital. So nothing prevents you from showing up at a box office on a random Tuesday and make friends at 5am if that's your thing.This "in-person rush" gatekeeping is truly bizarre."

Online rush gatekeeping is also bizarre

[gibsons2]

Posted: 6/2/25 at 11:53am

witchoftheeast2 said: "gibsons2 said: "Kad said: "Rushes and lotteries aren't the sole avenue to cheaper tickets and sometimes they are barely less expensive than going through those other routes.

I wasn't saying get rid of digital rushes/lotteries- I was just saying that I thought there was a lot of good in doing them in person even if they weren't perfect. Yes, they were less accessible and you couldn't plan around them as easily. But at the same time, if you showed up early enough, you were guaranteed a ticket and you were there with people with a common interest. And pretending this was something only rich, privileged kids were able to do is just false."

Well, majority of the shows still have in person general rush, in addition to digital. So nothing prevents you from showing up at a box office on a random Tuesday and make friends at 5am if that's your thing.This "in-person rush" gatekeeping is truly bizarre."

Online rush gatekeeping is also bizarre"

There's room for everyone who wants to see a show and still be able to eat and pay rent.

Updated On: 6/2/25 at 11:53 AM

[djoko84]

Posted: 6/2/25 at 11:57am

I miss in-person lotteries. I wish they'd do away with the digital lotteries. I find myself going to the box office the day-of most often now to try to get cheaper tickets. 

[JSquared2]

Posted: 6/2/25 at 12:12pm

djoko84 said: "I miss in-person lotteries. I wish they'd do away with the digital lotteries. I find myself going to the box office the day-of most often now to try to get cheaper tickets."

 

No one is stopping you from doing that.  Most people don't have that kind of time.

[witchoftheeast2]

Posted: 6/2/25 at 12:25pm

gibsons2 said: "witchoftheeast2 said: "gibsons2 said: "Kad said: "Rushes and lotteries aren't the sole avenue to cheaper tickets and sometimes they are barely less expensive than going through those other routes.

I wasn't saying get rid of digital rushes/lotteries- I was just saying that I thought there was a lot of good in doing them in person even if they weren't perfect. Yes, they were less accessible and you couldn't plan around them as easily. But at the same time, if you showed up early enough, you were guaranteed a ticket and you were there with people with a common interest. And pretending this was something only rich, privileged kids were able to do is just false."

Well, majority of the shows still have in person general rush, in addition to digital. So nothing prevents you from showing up at a box office on a random Tuesday and make friends at 5am if that's your thing.This "in-person rush" gatekeeping is truly bizarre."

Online rush gatekeeping is also bizarre"

There's room for everyone who wants to see a show and still be able to eat and pay rent."

Exactly. No matter who you are or your income, you can still enter online lotteries and rush 

[UncleCharlie]

Posted: 6/2/25 at 1:06pm

Yeah, I really wish we could go back to strictly in person rushes where for the popular shows, even if you get there at 7:30, there are already 20-25 people in line and the odds are high you're about to waste the next 2 1/2 hours of your life. That was always so enjoyable.

The only issue I have with Telecharge Digital Rush is that once you get a ticket, you are locked out of getting any other tickets for the next 3 days. I wish that would go away as if you're in town for a weekend, you basically can use it for one show. Yeah, it's a little wonky at the beginning but that goes away after a short time and I was able to score a couple of nice orchestra seats through it for Maybe Happy Ending and John Proctor on my annual NYC trip last month so I'm not about to complain.

You have to be flexible. I was able to see almost everything I wanted thru a combination of digital rushes, discount codes, a last minute purchase off Stubhub for Glengarry and a full price ticket for Good Night and Good Luck and I was pretty pleased with that. But if you're going to sit there and think I'm a college student and therefore, I expect to be able to get lottery or rush for every show, even the hottest ones, you're just setting yourself up for disappointment..

[djoko84]

Posted: 6/2/25 at 4:41pm

JSquared2 said: "djoko84 said: "I miss in-person lotteries. I wish they'd do away with the digital lotteries. I find myself going to the box office the day-of most often now to try to get cheaper tickets."



No one is stopping you from doing that.Most people don't have that kind of time."

That's my point. The in-person lotteries were for people who set aside time to go to them and hopefully they'd be rewarded for it. It created an excitement and buzz. Instead of competing against maybe 50 to 100 people you're competing against thousands. 

[witchoftheeast2]

Posted: 6/2/25 at 4:47pm

djoko84 said: "JSquared2 said: "djoko84 said: "I miss in-person lotteries. I wish they'd do away with the digital lotteries. I find myself going to the box office the day-of most often now to try to get cheaper tickets."



No one is stopping you from doing that.Most people don't have that kind of time."

That's my point. The in-person lotteries were for people who set aside time to go to them and hopefully they'd be rewarded for it. It created an excitement and buzz. Instead of competing against maybe 50 to 100 people you're competing against thousands."

In person and digital rush makes it fair for those who have time to wait outside the theater, and those who don't. Are you suggesting they eliminate digital rush? How on earth would that be fair/make it accessible to more people?

[gibsons2]

Posted: 6/2/25 at 4:48pm

djoko84 said: "JSquared2 said: "djoko84 said: "I miss in-person lotteries. I wish they'd do away with the digital lotteries. I find myself going to the box office the day-of most often now to try to get cheaper tickets."



No one is stopping you from doing that.Most people don't have that kind of time."

That's my point. The in-person lotteries were for people who set aside time to go to them and hopefully they'd be rewarded for it. It created an excitement and buzz. Instead of competing against maybe 50 to 100 people you're competing against thousands."

Sounds like it's a you problem.