Street Teams

Nothing can be more annoying for a New Yorker than getting handed loads of cards from people advertising shows or restaurants. Normally we just pass by, say "no thank you", and continue on our way not even giving a second thought as to what they are passing out. But, next time you pass someone standing in Times Square or outside many restaurants, take a second to look at what they are passing out. Due to the current economy, many producers and restaurants have street teams out distributing great discounts to their respective show or eateries.

These street team-ers sometimes will have great discounts, like 50% off of a Broadway show, or $25 tickets to a long-running 0ff-Broadway show. As for restaurants, I recently received cards for half-off my check and free drink with dinner.

So, next time you pass a street team, take their card; you may have just found your next meal!

The Guide For Students

Students living in or visiting the city are entitled to TON of great discounts to see live theatre, ballet, music, and opera. Many not-for-profit arts groups offer amazing discounts to many of their productions.

Lincoln Center Student Rush
Lincoln Center is the home to many of the great arts companies in the city; The Metropolitan Opera, The New York Ballet, New York City Opera, Jazz@Lincoln Center, New York City Ballet and the Film Society of Lincoln Center. The link above will help you find the perfect event for you at a great price!

Carnegie Hall
Carnegie Hall offers $10 tickets in advance to certain performances to students via their online box office. They offer low priced student subscriptions to their performances as well.

Theatre
Many Broadway and off-Broadway shows offer great discounts to students, usually priced between $20-$40 depending on the show and the day. Most student tickets are available on the day of performance when the box office opens. Depending on the popularity of the show you wish to see, you may need to get in line fairly early, as some lines begin forming earlier than 8AM! Student tickets are commonly located on the very front row of the orchestra level or the sides of the orchestra level.

Two of the major not-for-profits that operate on Broadway offer tickets in advance to their shows.

Lincoln Center Theatre: StudenTix
LCT's StudenTix program allows members to purchase 1 ticket per production for $20. (There is currently a waiting list to join, but LCT does offer $25 tickets to students, 2 hours prior to curtain on certain days.)

Roundabout Theatre Company: HipTix
The Roundabout Theatre offers $20 tickets to all its productions to ANYONE between the ages of 18-35. The seats are usually in the mezzanine or rear orchestra. HipTix also has members only events such as a show and an after-party (still $20)!

New York Musical Theatre Festival

RIGHT NOW there are some very exciting opportunities to see new musicals at the New York Musical Theatre Festival (NYMF). NYMF has provided venues for young composers, lyricists, actors, and producers to work and have their work seen since 2004. Previous shows include the current Broadway hit Next To Normal, the long-running, off-Broadway Altar Boyz, and the recent Title of Show.

Tickets to all NYMF shows are $20! The shows play in smaller, intimate spaces and many shows feature Broadway and off-Broadway talent. Some shows are selling out very fast, but there are usually tickets available at the door. For more info on NYMF, visit www.nymf.org.

Big Lights... Big City... NO MONEY?!

I have been in the “Big Apple” for about a month now and I have to say I am loving every minute of it! The city is a great place that offers great sights, amazing food, spectacular entertainment, and is THE place for actors who are interested in finding work in theatre.

I moved up to the city about a month ago with a bit of savings to help me get by while I got settled in. But, it is a very MODEST budget. Therefore, I use my friends and resources to help me make the most of my money so that I am able to live, eat out occasionally, go see shows, and have fun in the city. I have been able to do just that and I will share my research on this blog. I will make posts about cheap ticket updates, where to find cheap eats (and if they are good or not), and fun and FREE (or cheap) to do around town.

This blog is not just for Actors, but anyone moving up to to NYC looking for great ways to stretch a dollar! If you have any ideas or questions, please feel free to email me pooractorsguide@gmail.com.