I think it is completely correct for us to have problem with line sitters. They have their entire week to stand in line because it is their job! Us bother people must go to our schools and jobs like most people. If these people want to buy tickets so badly, then why don't they purchase online for scalper tickets rattan take away form us who are willing to wait by ourselves."
I like having options. If I have enough money, I'd like to pay for sitter, save my energy and time. If I have time, and would like to save money, I'd wait in line. Simple as that.
I think fans should really focus on the ridiculous price of the RESALE tickets. There should be a cap to all of these crazy ticket prices.
I don't think taking the line sitters out of the equation would guarantee a short cancellation line. "Extreme Fans" would still try to beat each other out on who is going to get the first five spots.
nrubanobroadway said: "happydude said: "All of this vitriol against linesitters/waiters is irrational. Linesitters are not even in the same league as online scalpers. Line sitters have to wait in all sorts of weather, sleep on concrete, etc. for umpteen hours/days. It's really a contest of how much you want the the tickets. What are you willing to do/give up in order to attain them? Some people give up money. Other people give up time. Complaining because life isn't fair is not the answer. If the line sitter is willing to work to get what they want ($$) and the person paying the line sitter is willing to pay, the extreme "fan" should be willing to go the distance. There are people who will camp a week in advance for the latest iPhone or Jimmy Fallon ticket, and they are NOT line sitters. Real fans, who are not bandwagoners, get what they want by any means.
This isn't a kidney transplant we're talking about, this is freakin entertainment? The theatre does not give a fig about helping "impoverished" theatre patrons. 6-12 tickets a night is nothing compared to half the house online scalpers get. That's the real monster. They buy half the house and charge a 300% markup. Complain about that. Line sitters are people who do ACTUAL work for a living. People who are willing to wait in terrible weather over a number of days are generally worse off than any theatre goer.
I find this particular tantrum silly an woefully misdirected.
"
I think it is completely correct for us to have problem with line sitters. They have their entire week to stand in line because it is their job! Us bother people must go to our schools and jobs like most people. If these people want to buy tickets so badly, then why don't they purchase online for scalper tickets rattan take away form us who are willing to wait by ourselves.
"
It's presumptive to assume that anyone has a week to give to anything. The average line sitter makes between $8-$12 per hour per sit unless they own the company. By all means fight for your right to see your favorite show, but crying victim is a curious way to do it. Your average linesitter is not getting rich off of this set up and I bet dollars to doughnuts they're less well off than your average cancellation line patron. Keep things in perspective, a theatre ticket is not a human right.
Em6 said: "happydude said: "All of this vitriol against linesitters/waiters is irrational. Linesitters are not even in the same league as online scalpers. Line sitters have to wait in all sorts of weather, sleep on concrete, etc. for umpteen hours/days. It's really a contest of how much you want the the tickets. What are you willing to do/give up in order to attain them? Some people give up money. Other people give up time. Complaining because life isn't fair is not the answer. If the line sitter is willing to work to get what they want ($$) and the person paying the line sitter is willing to pay, the extreme "fan" should be willing to go the distance. There are people who will camp a week in advance for the latest iPhone or Jimmy Fallon ticket, and they are NOT line sitters. Real fans, who are not bandwagoners, get what they want by any means.
I find this particular tantrum silly an woefully misdirected.
I agree too. I venture to guess that many of the people who wait for long hours in the cancellation lines are generally young, meaning 20s and 30s. My days of doing such things are long passed. I would be in no shape to see the show it I did it. I don't have the stamina or the back. Decent seats from online scalpers are above my budget. When I was younger I could not have afforded a linesitter and would have been out there with everyone else.
I also agree about the scalpers. That's the real problem here— they have a full third of the house on some nights. And ticketmaster is in bed with them.
backwoodsbarbie said: "Was the cancellation line a huge deal when Wicked and Book of Mormon were in their height of fame, or is this all a new phenomenon?"
I did Wicked cancellation in 2005 and 2006 and I waited a few hours but it was nothing close to what this is. The only times it got really crazy were for things like Idina's last performances and such.
backwoodsbarbie said: "Was the cancellation line a huge deal when Wicked and Book of Mormon were in their height of fame, or is this all a new phenomenon?
"
Thinking back about a decade ago to when Jersey Boys first opened, I know there was some craziness in their standing room or rush line (I don't remember which). People were waiting overnight and I remember reading that violence broke out in the line at least once.
My sister is really wanting to just go to NYC and try our luck with the cancellation line, but I'm worried the line is getting a lot worse. From what I've gathered, two show days should be avoided, so we are thinking of lining up midnight on a either a Tuesday or Thursday for the 7:00pm show. We want two standard or SRO tickets, but I'm wondering if we get there, at what point in the line does if become really iffy if you will get tickets? I know each night is different, but is is possible to put an average number the sell each day? Any other tips would be appreciated!
You know that some of you have been complaining for nearly a year. If you would have used that time working a part time job, you could have gone by now. If you really want to go, then just go already. Get a 0% interest cc and pay $100 a month or whatever. Eat ramen for 6 months... if you want it to happen, make it happen. If you can't do it, then just accept it.
I don't have a moral issue with the line sitters like some people. What I do have a problem with is them continuing their practices when the rules of the cancellation line have now been clearly stated. The only way a line sitter could now offer their services based on the rules is to use one of the tickets and see the show with their patron. But based on reports from last night, we know this is not what is happening and that the rules are not being enforced. It is incredibly unfair that people who are following the correct procedure are missing their chance to get tickets because the Richard Rodgers employees are letting line sitters slide by the rules.
Our personal opinions about line sitters don't matter anymore. I think doing anything in our power to make sure the rules are enforced, including filming the line and contacting Nederlander, is the right thing to do for those who are following said rules.
I've said it before, I have nothing against the professional line-sitting companies (@SOLD/@LineSittingNYC). I just think that people want the rules to be implemented fairly.
If you're hungry (like A. Ham), GO FOR IT. Don't throw away your shot! :)
casedilla2 said: "I don't have a moral issue with the line sitters like some people. What I do have a problem with is them continuing their practices when the rules of the cancellation line have now been clearly stated. The only way a line sitter could now offer their services based on the rules is to use one of the tickets and see the show with their patron. But based on reports from last night, we know this is not what is happening and that the rules are not being enforced. It is incredibly unfair that people who are following the correct procedure are missing their chance to get tickets because the Richard Rodgers employees are letting line sitters slide by the rules.
Our personal opinions about line sitters don't matter anymore. I think doing anything in our power to make sure the rules are enforced, including filming the line and contacting Nederlander, is the right thing to do for those who are following said rules."
I agree. I never had any issue with SOLD/linestandingnyc but what they did last night was disrespectful to the line and to the theater.
Like I said before, there are still ways for line sitting to continue, but if the RRT really want to get rid of line sitting period, then they should restrict the number of tickets sold per person to 1 ticket.
i ask myself --- what would Ham do if he really wanted to see Hamilton when he is young and broke?
Volunteer to go on the line and find a wealthy patron to pay for your ticket (that patron would see the show with you! in other words, doing the line sitting in exchange for a ticket.) at the very least the ones doing the line sitting are diehard fans.
with all due respect to the professional line sitters, they wouldn't be at RRT unless you pay them $10-$12 per hour.
happydude said: "All of this vitriol against linesitters/waiters is irrational. Linesitters are not even in the same league as online scalpers. Line sitters have to wait in all sorts of weather, sleep on concrete, etc. for umpteen hours/days."
Don't expect us to feel sorry for the line sitters when they're making way over $500 for a single sitting. The problem most of us have is that line sitters don't follow the rules and that the Hamilton security guards are still letting them get away with breaking the new rules they implemented 3 days ago.
Rule #1 - Patrons may NOT swap out or hold places on the line.
Rule #5 - Once the Patron enters the box office to purchase tickets, he or she must proceed directly into the theater. Only those purchasing the tickets and attending that performance will be allowed into the box office.
That pretty much says it all. There's really nothing else to debate. The rules have been put out, now it's time to follow the rules. And yes, those rules apply to you line sitters as well. The real issue comes down to enforcing those rules and holding the security guards accountable.
Rule #5 - Once the Patron enters the box office to purchase tickets, he or she must proceed directly into the theater. Only those purchasing the tickets and attending that performance will be allowed into the box office. "
That rule really does not work for tickets that are sold earlier in the day.
Jennabee said: "Anakela said: "It'd be a matter of finding someone you'd trust to do it, etc. but I'm sure there's a broke college kid or someone out here for a summer internship or something who would be up for putting in the hours in order to be treated to a ticket. Maybe we could start a BWW matchmaking service for this. :) "
I like this idea!
I was just talking to my daughter and we both are actually liking the idea of paying our dues and just waiting in line; maybe not overnight, but from early in the morning. It's not like there isn't plenty to see from that vantage point, and it certainly would be an experience! Plus, not sure if we'd have someone to stay with or not -- we know people in NYC but we wouldn't want to impose and not sure if they'd offer -- in which case the hotel alone would be a chunk of change. So we're willing to put in some sweat equity (bladder equity? sore-foot equity?) for the chance at tickets. Even one ticket would be acceptable -- I really want to see it but it's way more about her.
"
I would like a matchmaking service lol. Still trying to find someone to buddy up with
broadwayfever said: "happydude said: "All of this vitriol against linesitters/waiters is irrational. Linesitters are not even in the same league as online scalpers. Line sitters have to wait in all sorts of weather, sleep on concrete, etc. for umpteen hours/days."
Don't expect us to feel sorry for the line sitters when they're making way over $500 for a single sitting. The problem most of us have is that line sitters don't follow the rules and that the Hamilton security guards are still letting them get away with breaking the new rules they implemented 3 days ago.
Rule #1 - Patrons may NOT swap out or hold places on the line.
Rule #5 - Once the Patron enters the box office to purchase tickets, he or she must proceed directly into the theater. Only those purchasing the tickets and attending that performance will be allowed into the box office.
No one implied line sitters should get sympathy, just asking for perspective. I highly doubt most sitters are making $500 for a single wait anyways, but that's neither here nor there. Patrons say their SUPER FANS, yet somehow The Big Bad Line Sitter is standing their way. People have been waiting in lines in NYC for decades, yet somehow some so-called Hamilton "fanatics" on this board act like a special breed. Yes, the theatre should follow it's own rules, but the theatre also has a right to bend the rules at their discretion and at a whim, as they've demonstrated over the course of this year. Adherence to rules will not insure you tickets or an easier life, strategic planning and thinking will. You say you want a Hamilton ticket so badly, but you're not behaving like you do. You sound entitled.
gatorgirl2 said: "Jennabee said: "Anakela said: "It'd be a matter of finding someone you'd trust to do it, etc. but I'm sure there's a broke college kid or someone out here for a summer internship or something who would be up for putting in the hours in order to be treated to a ticket. Maybe we could start a BWW matchmaking service for this. :) "
I like this idea!
I was just talking to my daughter and we both are actually liking the idea of paying our dues and just waiting in line; maybe not overnight, but from early in the morning. It's not like there isn't plenty to see from that vantage point, and it certainly would be an experience! Plus, not sure if we'd have someone to stay with or not -- we know people in NYC but we wouldn't want to impose and not sure if they'd offer -- in which case the hotel alone would be a chunk of change. So we're willing to put in some sweat equity (bladder equity? sore-foot equity?) for the chance at tickets. Even one ticket would be acceptable -- I really want to see it but it's way more about her.
"
I would like a matchmaking service lol. Still trying to find someone to buddy up with
I will go on record to say that a friend and I will be happy to pay for 4 $177 tickets - 2 for us, and 2 for any 2 people who have the wlll and stamina to wait all those hours on the cancellation line. These 61-year-old knees just aren't up to it anymore!
MISH2 said: "I would like a matchmaking service lol. Still trying to find someone to buddy up with
I will go on record to say that a friend and I will be happy to pay for 4 $177 tickets - 2 for us, and 2 for any 2 people who have the wlll and stamina to wait all those hours on the cancellation line. These 61-year-old knees just aren't up to it anymore!"
Great idea! And good luck. I hope you find someone. i think you will.
happydude said: "broadwayfever said: "happydude said: "All of this vitriol against linesitters/waiters is irrational. Linesitters are not even in the same league as online scalpers. Line sitters have to wait in all sorts of weather, sleep on concrete, etc. for umpteen hours/days."
Don't expect us to feel sorry for the line sitters when they're making way over $500 for a single sitting. The problem most of us have is that line sitters don't follow the rules and that the Hamilton security guards are still letting them get away with breaking the new rules they implemented 3 days ago.
Rule #1 - Patrons may NOT swap out or hold places on the line.
Rule #5 - Once the Patron enters the box office to purchase tickets, he or she must proceed directly into the theater. Only those purchasing the tickets and attending that performance will be allowed into the box office.
No one implied line sitters should get sympathy, just asking for perspective. I highly doubt most sitters are making $500 for a single wait anyways, but that's neither here nor there. Patrons say their SUPER FANS, yet somehow The Big Bad Line Sitter is standing their way. People have been waiting in lines in NYC for decades, yet somehow some so-called Hamilton "fanatics" on this board act like a special breed. Yes, the theatre should follow it's own rules, but the theatre also has a right to bend the rules at their discretion and at a whim, as they've demonstrated over the course of this year. Adherence to rules will not insure you tickets or an easier life, strategic planning and thinking will. You say you want a Hamilton ticket so badly, but you're not behaving like you do. You sound entitled.
The problem with bending rules capriciously, though, is that it doesn't allow people to rely on things being done a certain way. Very unfair for those unfortunate folks who contracted with line sitters and weren't able to get tickets the first day the new rules were strictly applied - when the very next day, those same rules were cast aside.
MISH2 said: "gatorgirl2 said: "Jennabee said: "Anakela said: "It'd be a matter of finding someone you'd trust to do it, etc. but I'm sure there's a broke college kid or someone out here for a summer internship or something who would be up for putting in the hours in order to be treated to a ticket. Maybe we could start a BWW matchmaking service for this. :) "
I like this idea!
I was just talking to my daughter and we both are actually liking the idea of paying our dues and just waiting in line; maybe not overnight, but from early in the morning. It's not like there isn't plenty to see from that vantage point, and it certainly would be an experience! Plus, not sure if we'd have someone to stay with or not -- we know people in NYC but we wouldn't want to impose and not sure if they'd offer -- in which case the hotel alone would be a chunk of change. So we're willing to put in some sweat equity (bladder equity? sore-foot equity?) for the chance at tickets. Even one ticket would be acceptable -- I really want to see it but it's way more about her.
"
I would like a matchmaking service lol. Still trying to find someone to buddy up with
I will go on record to say that a friend and I will be happy to pay for 4 $177 tickets - 2 for us, and 2 for any 2 people who have the wlll and stamina to wait all those hours on the cancellation line. These 61-year-old knees just aren't up to it anymore!
"
I'm flying in from out of town on a Thursday night and only have two days to try to get tickets so I don't know if I'd be the best person to pick. Plus only one of me but if you wanna pm feel free!
The hypocritical thing is that hardly anyone even heard about line sitting until they were discussed here. They really didn't start coming into play until around the holidays. I don't remember anyone complaining about them then. We created the practice and then later got all high and mighty when it exploded. I really do feel for you who are willing to stand in line but from a financial perspective, it's still cheaper for those who can afford it to hire 2 sitters and pay for their tickets, too. 24 hours and 4 regular tickets is $1700ish. That's still quite a bit less than similar seats on SH if you're not willing to wait until the last minute for a possible drop and run to print, etc. Those who have money will always have a way to beat you. But even if that option was eliminated, people would find another "unfair" issue to complain about. What if I had tons of free time and I got a ticket everyday? I think if people keep complaining that they should just end the line, make a deal with Graham Windham and let them pay the $177 and get excess for charity. I'm sure GW could have a standby list of pledged donors to arrive in time. The constant bellyaching probably isn't worth the headache for them.
eta how is this matchmaking idea any different from line sitting? You're still paying for someone to hold a place in line albeit with a ticket. The producer said the people who are willing to stand in line are the ones who deserve a ticket. I don't care but it's just a different way to get the same outcome.
Hellob said: "The hypocritical thing is that hardly anyone even heard about line sitting until they were discussed here. They really didn't start coming into play until around the holidays. I don't remember anyone complaining about them then. We created the practice and then later got all high and mighty when it exploded. I really do feel for you who are willing to stand in line but from a financial perspective, it's still cheaper for those who can afford it to hire 2 sitters and pay for their tickets, too. 24 hours and 4 regular tickets is $1700ish. That's still quite a bit less than similar seats on SH if you're not willing to wait until the last minute for a possible drop and run to print, etc. Those who have money will always have a way to beat you. But even if that option was eliminated, people would find another "unfair" issue to complain about. What if I had tons of free time and I got a ticket everyday? I think if people keep complaining that they should just end the line, make a deal with Graham Windham and let them pay the $177 and get excess for charity. I'm sure GW could have a standby list of pledged donors to arrive in time. The constant bellyaching probably isn't worth the headache for them.
eta how is this matchmaking idea any different from line sitting? You're still paying for someone to hold a place in line albeit with a ticket. The producer said the people who are willing to stand in line are the ones who deserve a ticket. I don't care but it's just a different way to get the same outcome.
It's different because we will both be watching the show. Everyone is allowed to buy tickets and give the second ticket to whomever they choose, no? The linesitters were giving both tickets to others, and it was permissible until the theater decided to change the rules.
BTW I have no problem with linesitting. But if the RR's rule is that whoever buys the ticket has to go in to see the show, but then looks the other way when that person doesn't go in, then why on earth did they decide to make rules?
I'm really not willing or able to pay $1700 for 2 tickets (I know, it's 4 tickets, but 2 go to the linesitters, assuming they actually want to see the show.) Believe it or not, I paid $89 for my ticket when I saw the show in November!
Hellob said: " eta how is this matchmaking idea any different from line sitting? You're still paying for someone to hold a place in line albeit with a ticket. The producer said the people who are willing to stand in line are the ones who deserve a ticket. I don't care but it's just a different way to get the same outcome. "
I never said it was different from line sitting, but at least it isn't breaking the rules, no money is exchanged, and it is far cheaper than hiring someone from SOLD or linestandingnyc.
If I were a broke college student, I'd gladly volunteer to wait in line in exchange for a ticket.
What bothered me the most from last night is how the professional line sitters knew they were breaking the newly posted rules yet they did so any way with no shame. Yes the RRT should have enforced it too but Ah well.
like I said before, to completely end line sitting of any sort, RRT needs to restrict 1 ticket per person on the cancellation line.
I don't understand people standing 17-24 hours straight to see a Broadway show --- a Broadway show?!?!? - - - it is incomprehensible to me!! What the fuck!!! Do these people even have lives?!?!?!
happydude said: "No one implied line sitters should get sympathy, just asking for perspective. I highly doubt most sitters are making $500 for a single wait anyways, but that's neither here nor there. Patrons say their SUPER FANS, yet somehow The Big Bad Line Sitter is standing their way. People have been waiting in lines in NYC for decades, yet somehow some so-called Hamilton "fanatics" on this board act like a special breed. Yes, the theatre should follow it's own rules, but the theatre also has a right to bend the rules at their discretion and at a whim, as they've demonstrated over the course of this year. Adherence to rules will not insure you tickets or an easier life, strategic planning and thinking will. You say you want a Hamilton ticket so badly, but you're not behaving like you do. You sound entitled."
I'm afraid it's the line sitters who are acting "entitled". They think they are above the rules. Some leave for hours at a time and then get back in line when ever they want. Then they swap out with clients even though it's against the rules. Again, they think they are entitled and that the rules don't apply to them...go figure.
broadwayfever said: I'm afraid it's the line sitters who are acting "entitled". They think they are above the rules. Some leave for hours at a time and then get back in line when ever they want. Then they swap out with clients even though it's against the rules. Again, they think they are entitled and that the rules don't apply to them...go figure.
That's very true. When I waited in the cancellation line back in February, we were 2nd in line and someone from LineStandingNYC was first in line. They left the line for 3-4 hours at a time and definitely were in the line less than they were out of it. We almost said something, but we would've felt bad for the people who hired them since it was not their fault, and thought we'd probably get tickets anyways (which we did). We ended up with better seats than them actually, so it worked out fine.
Like I said, I have nothing against the line sitters personally and I understand they're trying not to lose their jobs, but the bottom line is they are breaking the rules and the theater is letting them, which I don't think is right on either side.