When should you arrive at a theatre?

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When should you arrive at a theatre?

Posted: 6/5/18 at 4:43pm

I’m seeing boys in the band tonight. I know the show starts at 7, doors open at 6:30 but I’ve seen pictures of long lines. The show is sold out for tonight so everyone will get to their seat so I’m wondering what the rush is to be first in line to sit down...similar to boarding a plane first. The show will start, you’re in line- you aren’t late: is there any advantage to showing up early? Do people start lining up an hour early? This is my first broadway show - sorry for the questions.

When should you arrive at a theatre?

Posted: 6/5/18 at 4:49pm

Personally, I like to arrive at a theatre, at least 30 minutes before curtain time. Mind you, I don't like being in a long line, so I am comfortable with arriving at a show even earlier than 30 min. What you don't want to do is be late arriving at a theatre and getting inside when the show has already started. That is just going to upset the people in your row. Better early than late is what I say.

"Noel [Coward] and I were in Paris once. Adjoining rooms, of course. One night, I felt mischievous, so I knocked on Noel's door, and he asked, 'Who is it?' I lowered my voice and said 'Hotel detective. Have you got a gentleman in your room?' He answered, 'Just a minute, I'll ask him.'" (Beatrice Lillie)

When should you arrive at a theatre?

Posted: 6/5/18 at 4:50pm

Lg48432 said: "I’m seeing boys in the band tonight. I know the show starts at 7, doors open at 6:30 but I’ve seen pictures of long lines. The show is sold out for tonight so everyone will get to their seat so I’m wondering what the rush is to be first in line to sit down...similar to boarding a plane first. The show will start, you’re in line- you aren’t late: is there any advantage to showing up early? Do people start lining up an hour early? This is my first broadway show - sorry for the questions."

some people just want the extra time to use the bathroom, buy merch, grab a drink, find their seats, etc.

I've personally never understood getting there so early- your seat is already assigned no one is going to take it ::shrug:: I usually walk in 15 min before start time and theres no line and zip right to my seat. but to each ther own i guess.

30 min before curtain is technically the standard.

Enjoy the show :)

Updated On: 6/5/18 at 04:50 PM

When should you arrive at a theatre?

Posted: 6/5/18 at 4:52pm

I like to arrive 15-20 minutes before the show begins. Usually the line has died down at that point, and it gives me some time to use the restroom if I need to and read through the Playbill.

When should you arrive at a theatre?

Posted: 6/5/18 at 4:59pm

#1Elphie said: "Ilike to arrive 15-20 minutes before the show begins. Usually the line hasdied down at that point, and it gives me some time to use the restroom if I need to and read through the Playbill."

^ This

When should you arrive at a theatre?

Posted: 6/5/18 at 5:00pm

If I'm familiar enough with the neighborhood, I go elsewhere before arriving at the theatre. Usually not more than 15 minutes before curtain. I don't bother with concessions.

"This thread reads like a series of White House memos." — Mister Matt

When should you arrive at a theatre?

Posted: 6/5/18 at 5:01pm

i am one of those strange birds that likes to get there very early so i can watch as the theatre fills up...i find that i enjoy watching and hearing the crowd

When should you arrive at a theatre?

Posted: 6/5/18 at 5:03pm

I see people lined up an hour or more before curtain. Way too early. I also do 15 minutes before curtain. I have time for the bathroom, to get to my seat and glance my playbill.

I have seen people get upset because they couldn't get in over an hour before the theater opened to use the bathroom.

Just give the world Love. - S. Wonder

When should you arrive at a theatre?

Posted: 6/5/18 at 5:04pm

Lg48432 said: "... This is my first broadway show ... "

Wishing you a wonderful evening.

If you are walking distance to the Booth, it will be easy to estimate how early to arrive. But if arriving by subway, always allow ample cushion room just for in case there is an MTA delay.

#10

When should you arrive at a theatre?

Posted: 6/5/18 at 5:06pm

I agree with the 15 or so minutes arrival. Though more often than not (as long as I already have my tickets in hand or have dropped by will call hours before the performance), I honestly show up a lot of times 5-10 before knowing that the curtain truly never goes up until 5 min past the hour.

#11

When should you arrive at a theatre?

Posted: 6/5/18 at 5:08pm

I typically arrive as close to curtain as possible (without risking being late, of course--probably 5-10 minutes before), but that's just because I hate standing in the lines out front and battling through 500 people getting concessions and merchandise. But that's also because I've seen many Broadway shows. If this was my first show, I'd recommend getting there a little earlier just to take in the experience of being at a Broadway show.

Side note: The third floor of the Marquis (right across from the Booth) has bathrooms that will be way less crowded and with way less of a long line than the Booth will have. I've many a time headed in there before a show if I'm in the neighborhood, rather than fighting the crowds at the theatre.

In any case, enjoy your first Broadway show this evening!

Updated On: 6/5/18 at 05:08 PM

#12

When should you arrive at a theatre?

Posted: 6/5/18 at 5:19pm

Now that I live in NYC I'm in the 5-10 minutes before curtain crowd but I used to be there when the doors opened. If this is your first show you should give yourself as much time as possible. There is no intermission so make sure you use the rest room beforehand because if you have to get up they might not seat you during the play.

It can be very exciting to see a show on Broadway (something someone who sees a lot of shows can forget) so take it all in. The set is gorgeous and they play some fun music before the lights dim so just take it all in. Have a great time.

#13

When should you arrive at a theatre?

Posted: 6/5/18 at 5:21pm

If I already have my ticket in hand, I don't see any reason to arrive more than 10-15 minutes in advance.

If I want a drink, I'll go to a restaurant bar, where it will almost certainly be less expensive and better made.

If I need to use a bathroom, I'll either use the facilities at the restaurant/bar or at a place like the Marriott, where there isn't such a crazy queue.

I personally don't understand the need to arrive early just to wait in line and then sit in your seat for 20-30 minutes before the show starts.

"You travel alone because other people are only there to remind you how much that hook hurts that we all bit down on. Wait for that one day we can bite free and get back out there in space where we belong, sail back over water, over skies, into space, the hook finally out of our mouths and we wander back out there in space spawning to other planets never to return hurrah to earth and we'll look back and can't even see these lives here anymore. Only the taste of blood to remind us we ever existed. The earth is small. We're gone. We're dead. We're safe." -John Guare, Landscape of the Body

#14

When should you arrive at a theatre?

Posted: 6/5/18 at 5:52pm

I try to get in 10 minutes early, cruise the merch, hit the head, and then get to my seat and settle in, no phones, no nothing, sometimes just close my eyes and prepare to lock in and be focused for the next few hours.

#15

When should you arrive at a theatre?

Posted: 6/5/18 at 5:58pm

Such interesting timing for this thread. I am going to Harry Potter part 2 tonight. The first time I saw HP I got there almost an hour early. 2nd time, 30 mins. Today I'm wondering - geez can I just roll in 5 minutes before?

It really depends on the show, where the theater is, and how many times I've seen it/how familiar I am with that particular theater. When I saw Dolly I had to call TM for some reason and they told me to get there an hour ahead of time... I laughed at them and showed up 30 mins in advance - was lucky to make it to my seat in time. The line was insane and the older folks move slowly. They were right and I totally should have showed up earlier.

Typically I shoot for 30 mins ahead of curtain.

#16

When should you arrive at a theatre?

Posted: 6/5/18 at 6:11pm

I might recommend a little earlier than 5 minutes for Harry Potter just because of the massive size of the crowds there (and if you happen to be sitting upstairs, just walking up those staircases at the Lyric around 1800 other people can take forever). But certainly 10-15 should be fine.

#17

When should you arrive at a theatre?

Posted: 6/5/18 at 6:44pm

15 min prior is more than enough time to use the restroom and get settled in your seat most shows start 5 minutes after the set time

"Anything you do, let it it come from you--then it will be new." Sunday in the Park with George

#18

When should you arrive at a theatre?

Posted: 6/5/18 at 6:54pm

Count me in the 15 minute camp. I can't stand waiting in line that long, especially if the weather is less than ideal. For most shows, that's enough time for the line to be down to pretty much nothing so I can go right in - Hello Dolly and Angels in America have been exceptions to that.

The other thing I like to do when I buy tickets in advance is pick my tickets up at Will Call, that way if there IS any kind of line, I end up circumventing most of it. I also despise print at home tickets/electronic tickets - I'm a sucker for a ticket printed on good old fashioned ticket stock, so Will Call helps with that too.

#19

When should you arrive at a theatre?

Posted: 6/5/18 at 7:04pm

PThespian said:
Harry Potter starts on time. People are shocked when they arrive at 2:01 or 2:02 and are told they will need to wait to be seated as the show has started.

Allow youself time to get through the metal detectors and stuff. With 1625 (not quite 1800) other people it can get quite hairy.. "

Yup I know, this is my 3rd go. Threading the needle in New York is hard, at least the trains I take on a daily basis are not reliable. I either find myself ridicualously early, or late. Decided to walk to take the guess work out of it.

Still got here too early but like you said, better to be safe.

PSA- if you can walk instead of subway, do it!

edit: got through security and and in under 60 seconds, lol. You truly never know.

Updated On: 6/5/18 at 07:04 PM

#20

When should you arrive at a theatre?

Posted: 6/5/18 at 8:47pm

PThespian said: "Broadway61004 said: "I might recommend a little earlier than 5 minutes for Harry Potter just because of the massive size of the crowds there (and if you happen to be sitting upstairs, just walking up those staircases at the Lyric around 1800 other people can take forever). But certainly 10-15 should be fine. "

Harry Potter starts on time. People are shocked when they arrive at 2:01 or 2:02 and are told they will need to wait to be seated as the show has started.

Allow youself time to get through the metal detectors and stuff. With 1625 (not quite 1800) other people it can get quite hairy.

As far as other shows I used to always have to be there super early. Now I generally aim for 15 mins. That seems to work well. "

I am so glad they're not letting people go in whenever they want. I've posted about this before in one of the HP threads, but at the first preview of Part 2 someone arriving and being let in ruined a quiet beautiful moment in the show, one of the only moments like it, they just stood around trying to figure out who was going to sit where and angry whispering to themselves and at the usher. Also I love that they start on time, too. It's a great theater going experience, at least from the staff and the theater itself.

I may get some judgment for this, but I like to arrive at least 20 minutes before curtain so I can get inside, maybe use the restroom, and get to my seat with enough time to take a picture of my view so I can share it on instagram and a view from my seat (I adore that website so I happily contribute because I use it so regularly). I like sharing with friends and family the different shows I see and if I get there too close to curtain it's harder to make sure I can get a good picture. I appreciate that most theaters allow pictures before curtain because otherwise AVFMS would be a lot less helpful. I've only been told no pictures before a show once in the last couple of years.

#21

When should you arrive at a theatre?

Posted: 6/5/18 at 8:56pm

Like others, my standard is 30 minutes and by the time I sit down for most shows I am not waiting much more than 10 minutes.

#22

When should you arrive at a theatre?

Posted: 6/5/18 at 8:57pm

It's a bit much but I'm usually there an hour before curtain. I like to get a pic of the marquee and I usually drink a cup of coffee out infront of the theatre. I also like to people watch and the theatre district and Times Square can get pretty interesting.

#23

When should you arrive at a theatre?

Posted: 6/5/18 at 9:07pm

I've seen 5 shows in total so I'm a bit new, but i generally arrive 25 mins before. I usually look around a bit (Harry Potter I was 45 mins early just to wander and take in the sights), take a photo of the view, the view with a playbill and read the playbill. Not only that, but since I'm usually contending with college, that time is used to make sure nobody needs me before the show.

#24

When should you arrive at a theatre?

Posted: 6/5/18 at 9:23pm

Looks like most experienced theater-goers fall in the 15 minute category. If I have an aisle seat, I may make it 5. I may have missed it, but I haven't seen anyone mention that you can't get into the theater before half hour. The crew needs the stage for the check out, and actors/dancers often need it for fight/lift call or warm up. Given that, arriving before 1/2 hour makes no sense at all for me.

Forming a line is a newish thing (a decade or so). Nobody ever used to do that.

Updated On: 6/5/18 at 09:23 PM

#25

When should you arrive at a theatre?

Posted: 6/5/18 at 9:44pm

"For Shubert houses opening 40 mins prior to curtain is now the standard."

Thanks, that is new information to me, and definitely wasn't the case this time last year. I understand why management would want that - more time in the theater is more time to sell merch/drinks/food. It's doable on most days, but I have seen the house held many times at half hour when the crew has to resolve hard-to-fix technical problems discovered during the check out.

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