Who are those who see shows multiple times, and how??
Who are those who see shows multiple times, and how??
Insider2
Featured Actor Joined: 9/21/05
#1Who are those who see shows multiple times, and how??
Posted: 1/10/08 at 12:38pm
For years, something has mystified me about those on this and other boards.
Who are those of you who see shows multiple times (three, four, five, more) and how in the world do you afford it? Are you getting comps, or doing rushes, or what? I keep seeing posts that say "Saw this show again last night and it was great!" or "Saw that show for the sixth time and it was awesome." I mean, I don't make bad money, but I can't afford to live in NYC and see any show twelve thousand times. I can barely afford to see some shows once, especially at today's ticket prices. I am not passing judgment, but I am just very curious about this. Are there just a bunch of independently wealthy people on here, or are you all getting industry comps, or what? Dying to learn about this.
#2re: Who are those who see shows multiple times, and how??
Posted: 1/10/08 at 12:50pmI am a student, so I usually just rush it again. But if they have a balcony I might buy those. But I only see shows again if they really moved me or had a lasting impression on me. I saw Grey Gardens three times and I have seen August: Osage County twice and plan to see it again. TDF helps too.
karen24
Broadway Star Joined: 2/27/06
#2re: Who are those who see shows multiple times, and how??
Posted: 1/10/08 at 12:56pm
I know a lot of people on this board do the student rush or lottery tickets--I'm too old for the student rush, but I think you can get tickets for around $20-$25 that way, depending on the show.
I almost never pay full price for a ticket. I usually either look for discount codes via Broadwaybox.com or Playbill.com, or I go to the TKTS booth. Tickets bought this way still aren't cheap--I'd say they average about $60 each--but it's a little better than full-price.
I think if seeing shows is really important to you, you make room in your budget for it as best you can. I'm willing to scrimp on other things (eating out, Starbucks, clothes, etc.) because seeing Broadway shows is one of the things that gives me the most pleasure in life. Other people (like my husband) don't really understand this. If they see a show once a year, or even less often, they're fine with that (that's why I'm glad my 15-year-old son loves theater and is happy to go along with me!)
Of course, if you're on a really tight budget, and already have almost no discretionary income, then yes, even a $20 or $25 ticket is going to be difficult. I'm just saying that I don't think most people on this board are seeing shows multiple times at $100 a pop.
#3re: Who are those who see shows multiple times, and how??
Posted: 1/10/08 at 12:56pmI have wondered the same thing karen24!
#4re: Who are those who see shows multiple times, and how??
Posted: 1/10/08 at 12:58pm
Just Google up Broadway Ticket Discounts. Ask at the front desk of the hotel where you are staying many have discounts.
You could always try the TKTS booth (cash only)
SRO for some shows.
There are lots of ways to see many shows and not break the bank!
gymdudeva
Broadway Star Joined: 1/29/07
#5re: Who are those who see shows multiple times, and how??
Posted: 1/10/08 at 12:58pm
I think that over the course of a year or so, seeing a show a few times (usually with TDF/TKTS or other discounts, or student rush) isn't THAT much money. Certainly no more than many other people spend on their hobbies...
Let's say half-price tix at $60 each, times 5 times in a year....that comes to $300/yr., or an average of $25 a month.
#6re: Who are those who see shows multiple times, and how??
Posted: 1/10/08 at 12:59pm
Well, a good number of the "repeat offenders" probably aren't living on their own...
I know I'm not.
#7re: Who are those who see shows multiple times, and how??
Posted: 1/10/08 at 1:01pmAren't there some Rentheads who have seen the show 100+ times.
#8re: Who are those who see shows multiple times, and how??
Posted: 1/10/08 at 1:01pm
True gym, but I see where some people have seen a show anywhere from 2 to 6 times just during preview periods or within 3 or 4 months of its opening.
I rarely see shows more than once with the exception of a few or if the tour comes to Denver and I see it with a group or with friends after I have seen it in NYC.
Insider2
Featured Actor Joined: 9/21/05
#9re: Who are those who see shows multiple times, and how??
Posted: 1/10/08 at 1:03pmAnd what about shows like Little Mermaid, where I keep seeing posts saying "I saw it again last night."...."I'm seeing it again tonight." I know Disney ain't exactly passing out the discount codes.....
#10re: Who are those who see shows multiple times, and how??
Posted: 1/10/08 at 1:05pm
I used to pay full price to see shows (especially les mis- i refused to sit anywhere but first or 2nd row because i'd spoil myself) and to do so , as karen24 said, i'd give up other activities that cost money. Once the woes of being a college student finally hit me, I began student rushing and doing standing room for some shows and I was so happy to do so because it saved me A LOT of money each week.
Haha, the first few times I student rushed Les Mis I'd sit wherever the student seat was and then for the second act I would move up to my usual front row seat (it was always empty!)so that was pretty cool.
I joined TDF over the summer, I have yet to use it though but I'm a frequent user of the broadwaybox.com discount codes
worrell4077
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/11/04
#11re: Who are those who see shows multiple times, and how??
Posted: 1/10/08 at 1:06pmI've been rushing all of the shows I've seen multiple times like I rushed Jersey Boys 7 times and I was successful all 7 times(this was before they suspended the rush). I'm a student and my sister is a student and it's usually me, my mom, and my sister who see shows. Sometimes we do use TKTS or have the tickets in advance with a ticket discount.
#12re: Who are those who see shows multiple times, and how??
Posted: 1/10/08 at 1:07pm
Insider, you are right. There are some here who have seen Mermaid 5 times ALREADY.
But HEY. If they got the money. Then why the hell not? I wish I could see a show 5x in previews, but I can't.
#13re: Who are those who see shows multiple times, and how??
Posted: 1/10/08 at 1:07pm
"I keep seeing posts that say "Saw this show again last night and it was great!" or "Saw that show for the sixth time and it was awesome."
Hey, you forgot the occasional "Saw that show for the sixth time and it still stunk."
#14re: Who are those who see shows multiple times, and how??
Posted: 1/10/08 at 1:11pm
But HEY. If they got the money. Then why the hell not? I wish I could see a show 5x in previews, but I can't.
Just send one of your other personalities, ljay.
#15re: Who are those who see shows multiple times, and how??
Posted: 1/10/08 at 1:15pmI have seen THE LITTLE MERMAID five times so far and have only paid $50 each time ($41.25 plus service fees). So, I have spent $250 total on MERMAID, which is the price of one premium ticket. I think I've done pretty well for myself!
#16re: Who are those who see shows multiple times, and how??
Posted: 1/10/08 at 1:21pmUpdated On: 1/10/08 at 01:21 PM
meredithchandler73
Stand-by Joined: 11/18/06
#17re: Who are those who see shows multiple times, and how??
Posted: 1/10/08 at 1:22pm
I don't often see shows multiple times, but when I do I usually buy them at a discount - non-student rush (when available), TKTS, TDF, online/mailer discounts. There are rare occasions when someone I know has a connection to a show and can score a pair of free tickets, but that doesn't happen often. And once they know I've seen the show already, they'll usually bring someone else. :)
For example: when I go to CURTAINS, I *know* I'm going to sit and smile for 2 1/2 hours. It's my feel-good show. If I had the time and money to see it once or twice a month, I totally would! When I do go, I feel that it's money well-spent.
ruprecht
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/16/05
#18re: Who are those who see shows multiple times, and how??
Posted: 1/10/08 at 1:24pmWalt, you've been in such a mood lately, why all the lashing out? You're either predicting Blonde's early demise, yet again or jumping down someone's throat and Kelly basically admitted that she can afford to go because she still lives at home, at least that's what I got out of it.
#19re: Who are those who see shows multiple times, and how??
Posted: 1/10/08 at 1:37pmUpdated On: 1/10/08 at 01:37 PM
#20re: Who are those who see shows multiple times, and how??
Posted: 1/10/08 at 1:51pm
I've seen "Wicked" four times . . . three on Broadway and once on the West End. Paid full-price each and every time; BUT, sometimes a visiting friend or relative bought the tickets for both of us (twice) based on my insistence we they see it!
The other way, so far; I played 'lottery' twice for "Drowsy Chaperone" [different months] and won both times! I have yet to play the Broadway lottery any other show. My record of two for two tells me I'll win! Woo Hoo! Also saw "Drowsy Chaperone" a third time, in between the two lottery wins . . . a friend paid for it.
I've seen "Rent" three, or is it four (?) times now . . . one time it was via TKTS and paid full price the other times. Again, a few months apart. Have to earn up enough to see them.
Other shows, to date, I've seen one time each.
tinkerscanne
Featured Actor Joined: 6/2/07
#21re: Who are those who see shows multiple times, and how??
Posted: 1/10/08 at 1:55pmI get to go to NYC once a year with my musical theatre class and as their teacher/chaperone, my cost is covered. I see a lot of tours here in Philadelphia through subscriptions (like to Broadway at the Academy and the Walnut Street Theater). My husband and I go to New York on our own once or twice a year and usually go the TKTS route. This summer we're planning a weekend in NYC with our kids and we're going to see a few kid-friendly shows. We work hard and save. If I were single or didn't have kids or lived in NYC, I am sure I'd be at the theatre way more often!
#22re: Who are those who see shows multiple times, and how??
Posted: 1/10/08 at 1:56pm
charge it... baby !
#23re: Who are those who see shows multiple times, and how??
Posted: 1/10/08 at 2:13pm
"To play devil's advocate to Kelly2, most people I know who see shows multiple times do not live off their parents. It's called making a living."
Well aware of that, thanks. Just pointing out that a lot of people I know who see shows again and again are able to do so because they don't have any living expenses of their own either because they still live at home, or are not out of college/highschool yet.
"Kelly basically admitted that she can afford to go because she still lives at home, at least that's what I got out of it."
Yep, that's pretty much it. :) Walt likes to read into things a bit too much, anything for an excuse to get attention from people who don't care very much about her.
Wildcard
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/21/06
#24re: Who are those who see shows multiple times, and how??
Posted: 1/10/08 at 2:14pmI usually pay full price each time I see a show (though don't always get the best seats). I work hard so I think I deserve to enjoy the things I like.
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