How Can I Afford to See Shows?

Adrienne Fisher | May 16, 2008 | 1

Photo Credit: Christopher Duff

The Performing Arts library is an invaluable resource for performing artists. As dancers, actors and artists in general, we need to constantly see as many shows as possible in order to know what is going on in the professional world. The drawback is that this can get quite expensive. If you live in New York City, then you are eligible for an Access library card that will allow you to watch archives of Broadway shows, dance companies, symphony orchestras and much more at the Performing Arts Library on West 65th St and Broadway.

I try to go there as often as possible to see recordings of certain shows for research purposes and plain old, care-FREE enjoyment. Also, this is a really good place to get your sheet music for auditions. It costs you 15 cents a page instead of lord knows what you would pay at a place like Colony Music. A good place to go if you need your music transposed is digitalsheetmusic.com or freehandmusic.com. All of these things are very helpful to us dancers who sing.

Another way to see shows at a cheaper price is to become a member of Theatre Development Fund. This organization has a membership fee of $27/year, and you have to mail in proof that you are either a performing artist or a teacher in NYC. There are tickets for dance companies, Broadway and off-Broadway shows, jazz ensembles and symphonies. Another route for getting cheap tickets is to show your student ID at almost any show or try to get standing room tickets, but that can be a pain because of the whole "getting up at 6 AM to stand in line when the box office opens" factor.

Speaking of cheap shows, check out the New York City Dance Parade this Saturday! It is totally free, and this only happens once a year, so don't miss this dance party in the streets of New York. Check out the website for the exact location and time.

Go out and see some shows y'all!

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Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap, Modern, Broadway, Ballroom, Teacher, Enthusiast, Affordable Shows In the Big Crab (all tags)