Almost Free Theater - 2

In response to a request from my Aunt Rosie, whose grandson is coming to NYC with his girlfriend, I think it's time to review the way to get off price theater tickets.  Broadway has been reinvigorated by Hamilton, and it's time for an update!

There are lots of ways to get lower priced tickets, but it will take some planning.  In no particular order, I recommend:

Playbill the theater magazine, which recently updated its list of lotteries, SRO's and student rush tix. Lotteries have become an increasingly fun way to get tickets for those of us who live in and around NYC.  Even though I was very lucky to see Hamilton with my son when it was still at the Public Theater, my mother and my boyfriend have not seen it so every morning I wake up, have my coffee (essential) and enter the daily lottery.

Most people know about the TKTS booth, operated by the Theater Development Fund, which sells day of tix at half price.

You must wait on line, but you are rewarded with a half price ticket on the day of the show. Booths are located in Manhattan in the Theater District, at the South Street Seaport, and in Brooklyn. *A new TKTS booth has just been added at Lincoln Center at the Atrium on 62nd Street.* Check the link to get hours of operation and remember the earlier you get there, the better your chance of getting the show you want.
While you are on the TKTS site, be sure to check if you qualify for TDF membership. You may be lucky enough to get deeply discounted tix with no lines and you can buy them in advance.  Here's a list of eligible people:

• Full-time students (high school or above)
• Full-time teachers (primary or junior high school faculty, high school faculty, university or college faculty, teachers of drama/dance/music)
• Recent graduates (26 years of age and under)
• Full-time union members
• Retirees (no longer working and at least 62 years of age or older)
• Full-time civil service employees
• Full-time staff members of not-for-profit organizations
• Full-time non-exempt employees (full-time hourly workers - 40 hours a week - who are eligible for overtime pay)
• Full-time performing arts professionals
• Members of the armed forces
• Freelancers
• Full-time clergy

An annual membership fee of $34 gets you tix to Broadway, Concerts, dance events, Off Broadway and Off Off Broadway for $9 - $47.  I've been a member for more than 30 years and I've seen amazing performances.  Check out my last blog Almost Free Theater (August 3, 2015) for more theater tips!

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Keep calm and carry on....Lori

Happy (French) Independence Day!

Happy (French) Independence Day!

I had the best intentions to publish this on July 4th.  I am guilty of enjoying these lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer. So let's celebrate Bastille Day (July 14), shall we?  At least France is still in the European Union...

Just finished  reading Gloria Steinem's latest book My Life on the Road.  In it, she talks about an unfinished project she had hoped to accomplish: a book with her friend Wilma Mankiller, the great Native American organizer.  Wilma died before the book could come to fruition.  Gloria hoped Wilma would "pass on her gift for creating independence."

Saving money is one of the surefire ways I know of creating independence.  It is in your hands. So let's go!