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Correct way to "rush"

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BroadwayNick
#1Correct way to "rush"
Posted: 12/2/09 at 2:53am

I'm heading to New York in a couple of weeks for the first time on my own, and on a limited budget. However, I want to see a good deal of theatre while I'm there. How do I go about "rush"ing tickets for shows? Is there any other way besides sitting in the TKTS line? Do students get cheaper ticket rates somehow? Any information is appreciated! Thanks!


Never be afraid to try something new. Remember that a lone amateur built the Ark. A large group of professionals built the Titanic. --Dave Berry

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BroadwayNick
#2re: Correct way to 'rush'
Posted: 12/2/09 at 2:59am

Fantastic! Thanks so much!


Never be afraid to try something new. Remember that a lone amateur built the Ark. A large group of professionals built the Titanic. --Dave Berry

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THDavis
#3re: Correct way to 'rush'
Posted: 12/2/09 at 8:40am

For most of these shows, I would say to show up about an hour before the box office opens but to be on the safe side, maybe an hour and a half. When I saw A Steady Rain, I got there maybe and hour and ten minutes before the box office opened and was within the last 4 or 5 pairs of tickets.

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frontrowcentre2
#4re: Correct way to 'rush'
Posted: 12/2/09 at 6:48pm

A friend of mine has done very well (on his own) hanging around outside the show as people go in. There are frequently groups who have had members drop out and will either give tickets away or sell them off cheaply. Worth a try. (I always get my tickets arranged before I go to the city.)


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legally_popular
#5re: Correct way to 'rush'
Posted: 12/2/09 at 7:39pm

After you read about the policies on the link ljay posted, you can also search this message board's other threads for more details on particular shows you want to see (i.e. what time would be best to get there, how many tickets they hand out, what shows are the easiest to get, what days are easier to lotto or rush, etc.). Or you can just ask in this thread. If you tell us what shows you'd like to see, we can give you more info. Although, if you mean in "a couple weeks" as in Christmas-New Years, that is the busiest time of year so it may be hard to predict.


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Revolutionary
#6re: Correct way to 'rush'
Posted: 12/2/09 at 7:57pm

I student rushed A Steady Rain twice, both times got there at about 9:20 am and was either the first or second person in line. It's like the least craziest rush ever.


Updated On: 12/3/09 at 07:57 PM

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Yero my Hero
#7re: Correct way to 'rush'
Posted: 12/2/09 at 9:58pm

I rushed it last Sunday (holiday weekend, box office opens at noon), got there around 9:30, and was fourth in line.


Nothing matters but knowing nothing matters. ~ Wicked
Everything in life is only for now. ~ Avenue Q
There is no future, there is no past. I live this moment as my last. ~ Rent

"He's a tramp, but I love him."

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BroadwayNick
#8re: Correct way to 'rush'
Posted: 12/2/09 at 10:02pm

I'll be there from the 11th-17th and plan on rushing South Pacific, Hair, and possibly next to normal. Any thoughts?


Never be afraid to try something new. Remember that a lone amateur built the Ark. A large group of professionals built the Titanic. --Dave Berry

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Yero my Hero
#9re: Correct way to 'rush'
Posted: 12/2/09 at 10:12pm

HAIR and NEXT TO NORMAL have lotteries, not rush. Which means neither is guaranteed.

SOUTH PACIFIC has been selling consistently well since it won the Tony and only offers rush occasionally, I think. Call the box office ahead of time and ask if they will have rush that day. You're probably more likely to get rush tickets on a weekday.

So, I guess my thoughts are: have lots of backup plans.


Nothing matters but knowing nothing matters. ~ Wicked
Everything in life is only for now. ~ Avenue Q
There is no future, there is no past. I live this moment as my last. ~ Rent

"He's a tramp, but I love him."

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legally_popular
#10re: Correct way to 'rush'
Posted: 12/2/09 at 10:20pm

Weekdays are better to try all three of those. South Pacific only offers rush on Tues, Wed. and Thurs. nights anyway (college ID only). And the Hair and Next to Normal lotteries are less busy during the week.

broadwaybaby086
#11re: Correct way to 'rush'
Posted: 12/2/09 at 11:30pm

Also check out Yero's site, broadwayforbrokepeople.com. Definitely inquire here for trends/the best time to try, but Yero has outlined all of the policies there.


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Revolutionary
#12re: Correct way to 'rush'
Posted: 12/2/09 at 11:37pm

Instead of doing the HAIR or Next To Normal lottery, just get your tickets from the TKTS booth. Those two shows are ALWAYS up there.

thtrbear
#13re: Correct way to 'rush'
Posted: 12/3/09 at 12:19am

There are shows, including South Pacific a few weeks ago, that are still selling rush tix at 5 minutes to curtain time. Definitely not all shows require getting there at 9am (but evidently some of the most popular ones do).


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