While the theatre is dark...

[inick122492]

I'm going to NY in the next few months so it's always a struggle to find things to do besides Broadway. NY is full of things to do but the challenge tends to be booking or securing some activity in time to actually enjoy it. Another challenge is money. Theatre is pricy enough and these tours and attractions don't alway offer much bang for the buck. So during the day when the shows aren't going on, we scramble to the same things every time. I've been to various museums and skyscrapers but I'd like to hear what you guys like to do while you're in town. Any suggestions? Thanks!!

[uncageg]

A few months back there was a big thread on this on the off topic board. You may wand to search it. There were a lot of suggestions.

[inick122492]

My search come up with a ton of things, any keywords?
Thanks

[iluvtheatertrash]

inick, if you're a theater performer (not sure if you are or not) why not take advantage of some of the fantastic classes always happening around NYC?

[themysteriousgrowl]

I always try to make time for the Chelsea galleries. If you haven't been and enjoy art, it makes a nice break from the MoMA/Whitney/Met/Guggenheim.

[uncageg]

I tried to find the thread but couldn't.

[supersam1026]

My favorite tour is the NBC studio tour. If you go during the summer you are almost guaranteed to see the SNL stages. I also remember seeing the Conan set while he was still in NYC. Really fun tour especially if you watch multiple shows on NBC!

[uncageg]

Look for the Letterman people in Times Square and get a ticket to a taping. I had some time to kill one day before a show and signed up and anttended a taping of his show. or just go to the theater early and sign up.

[givesmevoice]

If you decide to go to any museums, scour the internet to see if they have free/pay-what-you-wish hours and days. (And which ones are always free or suggested-donation.)

In addition to the always popular Met, MoMA and AMNH, I've loved exhibits at the Museum of the City of New York, Morgan Library and Tenement Museum.

[dreaming]

The Tenement Museum is fabulous. Go there if you have the time-it's really a great experience.

[redmustang]

Have you ever walked across the Brooklyn Bridge to the other side? Or how about the tram to Roosevelt Island? Both of these offer a different view of the city. The 3 hour boat ride around Manhattan is a little pricey, but it's wonderful. And so relaxing. Also, I finally rode the Staten Island Ferry my last trip to NY. Fun.

[AvenueQResident]

Whenever I'd have a 'nothing to do' day, I'd always go and chill in Central Park. Been countless times, and I still get lost trying to find my way around.

[qolbinau]

grindr

j/ks

[bwayphreak234]

I dedicated an entire afternoon to just walking around getting pictures of every Broadway house I could. It was fascinating to see the historic buildings and think of all the Broadway magic that has unfolded in the houses. I had an absolute blast doing that. A lot of walking and searching, but I thought it was a great way to pass the afternoon

[justoldbill]

Try this-

http://www.nycgo.com/

[hermionejuliet]

You're clearly a theatre fan.... Why not take advantage of the great theatre related activities only in New York?

After a show there are many theatre related shows like the "After Party" - mostly in Midtown.

Musical Mondays at Splash

Visit the drama book shop and browse to your heart's content

Visit the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts - they usually have at least one exhibit and plenty of dvds and cds to browse through.

Costumes are on display at the Times Square visitors center

If you are going in the fall, the NYMF has shows at all different random times - you can catch another show.

Check for book/cd signings and appearances...

There are plenty of non related theatre things to do in New York, but when I visited, I wanted as much theatre goodness as I could squeeze in to a trip!

[Bettyboy72]

Go down to the Meatpacking District and check out the stunning Highline. It's totally free and will keep you busy especially if you like taking photos.

www.thehighline.org

Also, I love wondering through Chinatown and SOHO. So many interesting stores, galleries, and people watching.