Big move to New York.. need help.

Posted: 7/15/19 at 7:56am

Hi all,

In about 6 weeks I am finally fulfilling my goal of moving to New York.I'm feeling all of the things: anxious, excited, nervous, elated, but most of all lucky. As a soon to be theatre student, I want to be able to see as many productions as possible. That's where I need you.

If you know of any student or youth discount memberships, tips, tricks, etc. for theatre companies, Off-Broadway, Broadway or something along those lines, I would be most thankful if you helped. I truly want to immerse myself in it all, but as you know nothing is cheap these days.

Thank you so much for anything you can suggest.

Have a great day!

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 7/15/19 at 8:14am

How exciting! From my own experience a few years ago, I know how nerve racking, emotional, and exciting making the big move can be! 

I would highly recommend joining TDF. It's about $35 a year for a membership, and it grants you access to tickets around $50 to quite a few Broadway shows and a lot of Off-Broadway shows. 

[Mike Barrett]

Posted: 7/15/19 at 9:11am

TDF my dude. Im in the tri state area so I qualify luckily, but its better if you're in the city. Most shows get on there during previews at least, although its not guaranteed. Tickets after fees are typically $50 total, and you can book ahead of time. Only downside is you have no choice of seats. For me, Ive found the seats are generally good. I really haven't had any bad seats yet. Balcony for Be More Chill was probably the worst view I had, but I also didn't like the show so it was more that plus a slightly far away view. But for the price, ill take it. I highly recommend HipTix and LincTix as well. Free to sign up for, and $32 tickets for LCT productions, which also includes The Sound Inside this fall at Studio 54 and TKAM, as well as whatever fills the Vivan Beaumont (my guess is Lehamn Trilogy). HipTix is generally for Studio 54 or American Airlines theatre. Also Slave Play is offering $39 tickets this fall. 

 

Best of luck with your move! I can't wait to move to NYC, but I'm with you and just need to take the step. It'd be a major change in life, but the culture seems up my ally. Only have 10K in savings though, so I wanna double that before I move. Best of luck to ya!!! 

[Wick3]

Posted: 7/15/19 at 9:38am

Congrats! I agree with others on TDF. Also, check out the resources of your college/university. I recall when I was a college student in nyc there were several discounts/flyers of broadway and off-broadway shows available to students. 

Good luck and enjoy!

[muffin3]

Posted: 7/15/19 at 10:21am

Here's an article detailing Broadway rush, lottery and SRO policies! Good luck with your move!

http://www.playbill.com/article/broadway-rush-lottery-and-standing-room-only-policies-com-116003

Posted: 7/15/19 at 11:28am

THANK YOU ALL! This has been so helpful and I'm feeling like quite a lucky guy to have received your expertise. See you at the theatre! :)

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 7/15/19 at 1:58pm

Aside from the previously mentioned TDF and that universities often get a number of papered comps, many of the companies in town DO have young patrons groups. Roundabout and Lincoln Center have youth memberships as well as Playwrights Horizons - which has a fantastic young patrons group that does an event with a performance and mixer for their shows.

[Relevance81491]

Posted: 7/15/19 at 4:10pm

reach out to the Non  Profits!  Volunteer Ushering is how I saw most theatre when I was in school (friends and I still do it from time to time).

NYTW

Signature

Playwrights Horizons 

2nd Stage

MCC

Atlantic 

Irish Rep

Roundabout 

Vineyard

CSC

[chrishuyen]

Posted: 7/16/19 at 10:52pm

While other people have covered the most important ones (TDF being the big one, and then rush/lottery), it's also worth noting that you can always avoid fees by purchasing in person at the box office, and sometimes they'll have seats that don't show up online (Cursed Child is an example).  Also, if you're interested in smaller productions as well, writing reviews on Show-Score will also get you offers to attend one of those shows for free sometimes (though technically there's a $5-10 fee).  And for the more popular shows like Hadestown, you can always check StubHub about half an hour before the show (or less) and sometimes there will be tickets going for under face value (even after fees).

Updated On: 7/16/19 at 10:52 PM

[leighmiserables]

Posted: 7/16/19 at 11:12pm

Rushing is always an option, too. I often rush on the weekends/days when I don't have morning classes. With most shows you can snag a ticket by waiting ~2-3 hours, four at the most (sometimes even less, but getting there earlier does tend to yield better seat locations). It helps if your campus is closer to Broadway. (Of course, there are a few, like Hadestown, where there are cases of people waiting 12+ hours in line. But take it from a fellow theatre student who has had countless friends attempt this: don't do it, it's not worth the exhaustion you'll have going through your day, especially if you're in rehearsals for a show.)

Also, depending on which school you're at -- there's a high chance there'll be students in your theatre program who have Broadway/Off-Broadway internships, or that your professor(s) are in the industry. These folks are your friends (lol) -- they'll likely be able to get you a comp if you ask. (Just make sure to be nice about it!) 

I've also gotten some great deals on the Buy/Sell board here on BroadwayWorld. You can honestly find a cheap ticket to anything if you look hard enough. 

Best of luck with the move!

Updated On: 7/16/19 at 11:12 PM

[GavestonPS]

Posted: 7/16/19 at 11:35pm

I don't live near NYC, ND, so I can't answer your question. But I want to congratulate you on beginning an exciting new chapter of your life!

And I am reminded of something someone once said about travel in general, but which I've found applies even more to moving:

Put your cash in one pile and your stuff in another. Then double the pile of cash and remove half of the stuff you planned to take.

Of course, since you're going to school, you'll want to make adjustments.