Explain cancellation lines to me.

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 3/27/11 at 10:28pm

I don't really understand the concept of cancellation lines. If tickets are not returnable and non-refundable, how are "cancelled" tickets available on the day of a sold out show. Sorry to sound stupid.

[CapnHook]

Posted: 3/27/11 at 10:34pm

Sometimes, those who receive comp tickets turn them back in, giving the box office more tickets to sell.

In addition, if a show is sold-out, and there are people in a cancellation line, and there are patrons wanting to request a refund, the box office almost ALWAYS will grant the refund. They don't lose the money because someone else is there to buy the tickets AND that someone else will actually have their butts in the seats. It's win-win for the show.

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 3/27/11 at 10:36pm

Thanks Capn!

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 3/27/11 at 10:37pm

Mostly house seats and industry holds that are released last minute - not really cancellations from patrons. Did cancelation line today for War Horse and got house seats 10th row center-needless to say an unbelievable experiencce

[Cape Twirl of Doom]

Posted: 3/28/11 at 1:59am

When did you show up to get cancellation seats for WAR HORSE? And I'm assuming they're regular full price, right? I've never done the cancellation line before but I really want to see WAR HORSE.

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 3/28/11 at 9:26am

Cancellation seats for WAR HORSE are like most shows in that the cancellations can come up at any time on the day of the performance.

I happened to be in the area and went on a whim about 1:45 and (at that time) was third in line. A cancellation came in right away for the first two people waiting, but then there wasn't another cancellation until about 2:30. The line total was probably about 14 people and I'd say at yesterday's matinee about 7 people got in (all looked to be in house seats).

But yes, cancellation tickets are full price. I don't know if they'd honor a discount code (probably not) but you could try. To me it was worth paying full price to see WAR HORSE from house seats.

You also might get lucky and have a Lincoln Center patron approach the line with an extra ticket to sell (Lincoln Center patron tickets are 40 dollars) - but thats a real wild card.