Volunteering to see a free Broadway show

One of the best times I have had seeing a Broadway production was by volunteer ushering for the Roundabout Theatre Company. The company, which owns the Laura Pels, American Airlines and Studio 54 theaters, allows anyone to sign-up to volunteer usher for specific months during the run of the performance. By ushering you get free admission into the show.

Just call the hot line: 212-719-9393 Ext. 523 (It has an updated list of when sign ups for volunteer ushering begins for all theaters. I suggest going on the first day to choose the date of whichever performance you want).

The amount of work required is minimal and I found the experience really fun. You arrive an hour before curtain and are given a badge and brief introduction to the theater. When attendees arrive you just show them to a seat and hand out playbills. Usually you are assigned a post during intermission as well, like making sure no one messes with the stage or brings food into the theaters.

Seats can vary depending on whether a performance is sold-out or how many general admission attendees there are, but I have always gotten great seats. The head usher will let you pick any vacant seat once all the guests have sat.

Dress code is strictly enforced, but is simply black pants and shoes with a white shirt.

Thus far I was able to see Hedda Gabler at the American Airlines Theater and Distracted at the Laura Pels by volunteer ushering. They were both good shows and it was great seeing them for FREE. Next up I plan to sign up for Waiting for Godot!