TDF Account question

[dramagirl487]

Posted: 5/6/10 at 12:22pm

I was advised to join TDF to get highly reduced price tickets for great seats. There is a $30 membership fee, and it would be worth it if the seats are good. How are the seats generally? Which shows are offered? Most importantly, how many tickets can I order to a given show? Is there a two ticket limit? I will join if I can buy 4 tickets at once so that I can take my family. thanks in advance for the info!

[sgv123]

Posted: 5/6/10 at 12:34pm

Some of shows that are offered now are: Everyday Rapture, Hair, God of Carnage,Lend me a Tenor, Rock of Ages, and Next to Normal.

Most of the shows offer up to 9 tickets at a time.

I have had great seats for all of the show I have gotten through TDf.

Are you more than 100 miles from NYC?

[matty159]

Posted: 5/6/10 at 1:13pm

I would say to definitely join. I am coming up from VA next week for a mental health vacation and have purchased Behanding in Spokane, Memphis, Lend Me A Tenor, and Fela through TDF. It has definitely saved me a ton of cash (I take the friend who I stay with to all the shows as a "thank you"), and I will agree with sgv123, my seats have always been either good or great.

It is totally $30 well spent!

[Kevn520]

Posted: 5/6/10 at 2:31pm

I just recently joined and used TDF for tickets for The Temperamentals. My tickets were 3rd row, center. The theatre itself was small.

[KirbyCat]

Posted: 5/6/10 at 5:08pm

Keep in mind though, sometimes (and they'll mention it if so) the seats may not be together. Not saying it always happens, but keep that in mind when buying four tickets, as you may get separated.

[steven22]

Posted: 5/6/10 at 5:48pm

Each time I've done tdf I've gotten great seats. Rear orchestra or front mezzanine. While at Next To Normal the tdf seats say partial view, you only miss a few seconds on the third level of the set. They are a great value and save a lot of $. I highly recommend a tdf membership.

[Luv2goToShows]

Posted: 5/6/10 at 5:58pm

Steven, where were the seats for Next to Normal? I am thinking of seeing it again and am wondering if I would be better off buying thru TDF or doing the lottery. By the way, anyone know where the lottery seats are for N2N and how hard it is to win for a week day performance? Thanks

[mormonophobic]

Posted: 5/6/10 at 6:23pm

TDF is definitely worth it. It usually pays for itself after the first ticket you purchase. Some of the best seats/deals I've gotten are because of TDF. Though I won't be a student forever, I'm so excited that I'm becoming a teacher, so it will still be available.

[jeffmiele]

Posted: 5/6/10 at 6:50pm

Luv.. got Next to Normal tix through TDF last week and was in row L center in orch.. didnt miss a thing.. i have a friend who was a few rows back once with TDF and he missed the third level.. another time i went i had mid mezz.. its a gamble with that show.. if im not mistaken, arent the lotto seats last row in the mezz?

[Luv2goToShows]

Posted: 5/6/10 at 7:03pm

Thanks Jeff, this is what I found for the Lottery, Seats are located in the front row, then mezzanine sides.

Tickets in the back row are regularly priced at $36.50 for every performance and can be purchased in advance at the box office.

Think TDF is the way to go, guarantee a seat instead of depending on winning lotto.

[steven22]

Posted: 5/6/10 at 7:37pm

When I did rush last June I got front row dead center. AMAZING. I do believe it is still front row even though the switched to lotto. My tdf seats the two times were in center orchestra but we missed the third level, b

[dramamama611]

Posted: 5/7/10 at 8:15am

I have always been pleased with my seats...but even the few times that I have been rear mezz (which I really don't like) it's still SO worth the price -- you really can't lose.

The only thing to be aware of: success with TDF works better if
1. You don't need to plan too far ahead
2. You don't pigeon hole yourself into what you want to see
3. You like trying off b'way as well.

But as a previous poster stated: you usually have "made it worth it" simply with one ticket purchase.

[rodgers03]

Posted: 5/7/10 at 10:47am

Does anyone know if military spouses are eligible for membership? I know active duty military are, but I wasn't sure if it applied to the spouses as well. I just wanted to know before I applied for membership. Thanks!

ETA: Also, are you able to buy tickets for same day performances? If so how close to show time can you purchase? Updated On: 5/7/10 at 10:47 AM

[Luv2goToShows]

Posted: 5/7/10 at 1:17pm

It does not specify about military spouses, maybe you can email and ask, email address is [e-mail]

Same day performances are usually not available On TDF.org, mostly because TDF needs to notify the box office of the theater concerned. Time lines for purchasing tickets vary, but most are offered from a few days to a week in advance. Some shows do put a bunch of dates at once, others only a few.

It is definitely well worth it, from TDF.org:

What are some shows that TDF members have recently purchased tickets to?
The 39 Steps, All About Me, American Ballet Theatre, Avenue Q, Ballet NY, Big Apple Circus, Bye Bye Birdie, Defending the Caveman, The Fantasticks, Fela, Finian's Rainbow, Fueerzabruta, The Glass Menagerie, God of Carnage, Hair, In the Next Room, Lend Me A Tenor, London Philharmonic at Lincoln Center; Looped, Love Loss and What I Wore, Memphis: A New Musical, Mr. and Mrs. Fitch, New York City Ballet, New York Philharmonic, Next Fall, Next to Normal, Next Fall, Oleanna, Our Town, Paul Taylor Dance Company, The Phantom of the Opera, Present Laughter, Race, Rock of Ages, Ruined, South Pacific, The Tempermentals, The Toxic Avenger and Wishful Drinking -- and dozens more theatre and dance productions, and concerts.

Who qualifies for TDF membership?

To qualify for TDF membership, you must belong to one of the following groups: full-time students, full-time teachers, union members, retirees, civil service employees, staff members of not-for-profit organizations, performing arts professionals, members of the armed forces or clergy. When you join, you will be asked to supply TDF with proof of your eligibility.

[Yero my Hero]

Posted: 5/7/10 at 2:41pm

Why don't you just sign up your active military spouse and use the account? When my boyfriend and I signed up for an account to use together, we used his name because he was the current student at that time. One of my best friends has a TDF account under his mother's name because she is a teacher and therefore eligible to join.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 5/7/10 at 2:58pm

Is there ever a problem picking UP the tickets...about 1/3 of the time I use TDF, they ask for ID when I pick up.

[Yero my Hero]

Posted: 5/7/10 at 3:36pm

Well, my boyfriend and I almost always see shows together, so that's no problem. When my friend uses his mother's account, he has the same last name and can show the credit card used to pick up the tickets, and most places accept that.

The only theaters that he has ever had an issue with is the Friedman and the Vivian Beaumont. When he goes to a show there, he just makes sure it's a night when his mother can come with him to pick up the tickets.

I've only ever been asked for ID at the Friedman.

[wexy]

Posted: 5/7/10 at 4:02pm

I've never been asked for my id, they give my last name and i tell them my first.
been using tdf since 88.now can see something on a whim and order the day before.