Overnight Rush/SRO

[3NU]

Posted: 6/5/17 at 9:24pm

Please excuse my ignorance on this topic, but I have a couple of questions regarding standing/sitting/sleeping overnight in front of a theater to try and get rush/SRO tickets for a hot-ticket show. I'm trying to decide whether or not it's worth doing.

•  What do you bring when you camp out overnight in front of a theater?  Sleeping bag/blanket, food, water, rain jacket/trash bags (in case it rains), lawn chair, good attitude, etc.?

•  What should you NOT bring?  (Obviously, super valuable things, but I'm wondering if there's something else that should be avoided that one wouldn't normally think of.)

•  Have any of you camped out overnight and got the tickets to the show you wanted...only to be super tired during the show itself, causing you to drift off or zone out?

•  Is it a bad idea to try and camp out overnight if you plan on seeing two shows the next day (whether it be because of tiredness or another reason)?  Or plan on seeing multiple shows over a weekend trip?

•  Anyone regret camping out to see a show?  If so, I'd be curious to hear your reason why.

Thanks in advance!

[jcrispee2]

Posted: 6/5/17 at 11:02pm

I have all these same questions!!! 

[JBroadway]

Posted: 6/5/17 at 11:35pm

I've done it twice: once for Into the Woods in Central Park, and once for Sunday in the Park with George (I really like Sondheim). Then I helped my girlfriend do it for Hello Dolly: I didn't join her for reasons I won't get into, but I took over for her at 8am, and I set her up with all the equipment she needed. 

It can be a really taxing experience, but it can also be really fun. The first thing I'll say is that a sleeping bag and an air mattress will make a WORLD of difference. Even a folding chair will wildly improve your experience, though it won't be as easy to sleep in. I tried it with just blankets and it really didn't cut it in terms of warmth and comfort (though maybe in the warmer weather you can get away with blankets instead of a sleeping bag). I would also recommend:

--comfortable clothes, like sweatpants and a t-shirt. 

--shoes that you can easily store if you want to take them off. If you have a sleeping bag, you'll want to take your shoes off, and you don't want to leave them lying on the sidewalk. 

--an eye-mask to block the times square light

--ear-plugs to block the Times Square noise

--snacks and water

--learn where the nearest bathroom is.

--if you don't think you can get much sleep, bring a book, or music to listen to, etc. 

And last but certainly not least: MAKE FRIENDS WITH YOUR LINE-BUDDIES, and look out for each other. It makes a huge difference. 

As for being tired, yes, if can potentially be a problem. I recommend a mid-day nap, and lots of caffeine. When I did Into the Woods, I had just seen 2 shows that day, then went to the line at midnight. I got my tickets at 1pm, then immediately ran off to catch the 2pm performance of Dogfight, before seeing ITW in the evening. That was the craziest theatre thing I've ever done, but luckily I was running on adrenaline. But that was 5 years ago, and honestly I'm not sure I have the stamina for that anymore. If you want to try a 2-show day after an overnight, it can be done, but you'll need caffeine, and you need to know your own body's limits and sleeping patterns. 

But at the end of the day, I've never regretted it. I was pretty tired for Sunday in the Park with George, but my only other option was to not see it at all. 

 

Updated On: 6/5/17 at 11:35 PM

[Melanie73]

Posted: 6/6/17 at 12:40am

I camped out overnight for Dear Evan Hansen, and honestly, the rush line experience was almost as touching to me as the performance.  Now, in response to your questions, I'll tell you what I did, and I'll tell you what most normal people do (I'm weird.  Hahaha).

1. I walked to the theatre to get in line immediately after leaving a conference.  I honestly didn't have anything to sleep on, but I did have an umbrella in case of rain.  Luckily, it didn't rain!  Most people bring folding chairs/lawn chairs, blankets, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, things like that.  You're going to be on concrete, so bring whatever you think you're going to need to be comfortable on concrete.

2. I can't think of anything to not bring, but if I do, I'll get back to you!

3. I personally actually didn't sleep at all during the night, just because I had work and such I needed to get done.  Sometime around 4:00 AM, I went to the McDonald's on 8th Ave. to get some hot tea because I started getting cold (because I didn't have a blanket.  Hahaha).  But no, I was not sleepy at all during the next day.  However, I can't speak for others because I'm very used to all-nighters and not sleeping much in general.

4. I actually did see two shows that next day!  I was fortunate to have been first in line for the Dear Evan Hansen rush (SRO), so as soon as I got my ticket, I ran across the street to get in line to get rush tickets for Bandstand.  I managed to get secondary rush tickets, and I loved my seat location!  I saw Bandstand for the matinee show and Dear Evan Hansen for the evening show, and I felt completely fine through both.  Again, this might not be the case for other people, but I felt totally fine after the all-nighter.  Even without a nap during the next day (I had to run to my conference for a few hours in between), I was perfectly alert and present for all of Evan Hansen.

The next day (Sunday), I got rush tickets for Sunset Blvd., and although I only got three hours of sleep on Saturday night, I still felt fine.  I got like seven hours of sleep on Sunday night, though!

I recommend that, if you're concerned about getting sleepy or whatnot, maybe you can find a buddy to do the rush line with you so you can take turns going to your hotel to sleep for a few hours.  A lot of people do half a night and have someone else take their place for the second half/morning.  And depending on how close your lodgings are to the theatre district, maybe you can rush back and take a quick nap between the matinee and evening shows.  Or, if you want to try sleeping while in line, and if you're afraid of the sounds and lights disturbing you, maybe you can bring an eye mask and ear plugs or ear muffs.  The people in the line are awesome, and sometimes policemen pass by to make sure everything is alright, so you'll be safe!

5. I absolutely have no regrets about any part of the experience!  It was my first time, so I didn't know exactly what to expect, but wow, I'm still taken aback when I recall my experience from that night.  I met such amazing, kind people, and I'll never forget how I felt meeting and talking with them.  I'm in a field of work that has a lot of really bad, rough, nasty people, so I was almost in tears seeing and meeting so many nice, trustworthy, passionate, non-judgmental people all at once.  Anyway, I promise you won't regret your experience!  I hope the weather will be kind to you (that's the only thing that's unsure, hahaha)!  Best of luck, and have fun!

(P.S. If you're reading this and you remember a girl passing out pumpkin bread and banana bread, I just want to thank you so much for that powerful, healing, rejuvenating experience.)

[VintageSnarker]

Posted: 6/6/17 at 12:53am

I have never camped out overnight (sorry, nothing's been worth it for me) but I have woken up early and sometimes waited a couple of hours.

What to bring? As I said, I only waited a bit but I like to bring a collapsible camping chair. I saw people camped out for SNL recently with heavy blankets (NYC at night can be colder than you'd think) and tents. I will say that if you're going to bring a blanket or cushion, you need something thickly padded. Before I got the chair I tried a thin blanket once. It separated me from the ground but the sidewalk is still very hard if you're sitting on it with no support. If you're staying overnight, food and snacks are important. And water. If you're concerned with hygiene, maybe a toothbrush and whatever toiletries you need. I don't have one but if you're relying on electronics during the wait, maybe consider some kind of portable charger. And in the heat, you definitely want to make choices to take care of yourself. Sunscreen, hat, water, etc. And most importantly, bring a friend or a friendly demeanor so you can make a friend in line. It's the best way to get through a wait. 

What to not bring? Nothing big or valuable that you couldn't take with you in case you had to leave the line. If you'd feel uncomfortable having a stranger watch something for you like a laptop, I'd avoid bringing it. Also, don't bring anything that creates too much mess as you might not be near a garbage. Also, I need quiet to read so I've learned to not bring books.

I've never been too tired for a good show. If my attention is wandering, the show isn't compelling enough to keep a hold of it. Even if I'm exhausted, I always manage to perk up when the lights go down if a show is good. The longest I've waited was once for Shakespeare in the Park and then for Side Show. I was a little tired for the former, but it was a longer show and I hadn't taken a break to have a nap in the middle of the day so that was 6am through whenever the show ended at night. I still followed it fine and enjoyed myself but I wouldn't do that kind of wait again without getting some sleep. For Side Show I waited in the morning but they ran out of rush and I had to continue waiting for SRO and then I finally got it and had to stand. Again, still followed the show and enjoyed it. I'd say I was less mentally tired and more physically tired. If you're going to wait that long, you can't do it standing and then still stand for the show. 

I think two show days can be fun but exhausting. I don't like to pack things in, especially if I know some of the shows will be weaker because I'll have less patience for the weaker shows. There is something special to going out to the theater or to see a movie. But when you're doing it all the time, it becomes a little more commonplace and you have to work a little harder to conjure up that magic. I'd rather put myself in the best possible place to enjoy each show. 

No regrets. I'd only have them if I waited and didn't get tickets. 

[ameleigh]

Posted: 6/6/17 at 7:03am

Theatres do not allow chairs or tents. Also, keep in mind that you can't bring things into the theatre. What I've done is pick up a cheap pillow, like the ones that are $2.50 at Target, and just leave it for the homeless after your done. Definitely bring a blanket too. Even if you think it's warm, you will most likely get cold while on the concrete. Bring whatever you feel you need to be comfortable. Don't over pack, but you have some good suggestions on your list. 

 

Be very careful about where you keep your phone and valuables if you do plan on sleeping at all. I was in line with a girl who's phone got stolen. 

 

I've done it on many occasions. I did the Hamilton cancellation line twice last summer before the OBC left. Each time was 3 nights outside the theatre. I also did it for the closing of The Color Purple (it was 9 degrees and snow on the ground, that sucked, but SO worth it.) I've also done overnights for more shows too. 

 

I think adrenaline kicks in, but yes, you may be tired and not enjoy it as much as if you were well rested.

 

It's been so extremely worth it every time I've done it. 

 

Also, most times, the line itself is a really awesome experience. Meeting and bonding with other fans is cool, and most people are really nice. I've always been alone on overnights, and people are usually really good about holding your place so you can run to the bathroom or grab a coffee. I've also never had any safety issues, and I'm a young female who's always done overnight rush/cancellation alone. 

[Wick3]

Posted: 6/6/17 at 8:25am

For me the one must-have is a portable phone charger!!!

ive done overnight for Hedwig (NPH's last weekend), Hamilton, and Dear Evan Hansen and never had an issue with being too tired while watching the show. As others have said, I think it's the adrenaline that kicks in!

good luck!

 

[3NU]

Posted: 10/10/17 at 10:17am

Thanks so much for your replies, everyone.  All this information is immensely helpful.

I wanted to bump this topic, as I'm actually planning on coming into the City soon to do overnight rush (though, ironically, not totally by choice).  As I live out-of-state (and don't want to drive into/pay for a hotel in the City, especially just for a day-trip), I have to rely on the bus/train schedules, nearly all of which are non-ideal for getting rush tickets for a popular show (i.e., either gets in "too early" or "too late" ).  My only option ended up being a bus that gets into Port Authority around 3am for a chance to snag a rush/SRO ticket to Come From Away.

Since I presume (correctly?) that there are no longer people who camp out overnight for this show, I'm just not sure whether it's safe to sleep outside the theater by myself for even a few hours.  Should I find another theater to camp out at for a bit with others around (maybe the Richard Rodgers)?  Or could I catch a few Zzzs at the Marriott lobby without being kicked out by security haha?  I don't want to unknowingly putting myself in danger.

Any insight would be helpful.  Thanks again!

Updated On: 10/10/17 at 10:17 AM

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 10/10/17 at 10:37am

I have camped out overnight twice — once in the summer and once in the winter. Neither time was deadly, just a bit uncomfortable. I wasn't alone either time, so I did sleep here and there. 

I did have a camping chair both times, but I lived close enough where I was able to bring it home before the show. A friend who didn't was able to check her chair into coat check without any problem.

If you do try to sleep at the Marriott, you might get away with it on the 8th floor, but I'm not sure how vigilant the staff is about that kind of thing overnight!

[glindens]

Posted: 10/10/17 at 11:51am

I rushed CFA last Friday, arriving at 7:30, and I did get 2 SRO (with it seemed like 2 more available). If you get in at 3 am and there's no one around you could probably find an all night diner and get some tea/coffee/breakfast and get to the theater by 5 am and still get the rush vs. the SRO. Just another option if you don't want to sit out for a couple hours if no one is around. I think there's one on 8th Ave at 51st or 52nd st?

[Wayman_Wong]

Posted: 10/10/17 at 12:03pm

3NU, I've only done overnight rush once: for ''Sunday in the Park With George.'' I never worried about safety because there were dozens of other Sondheim fans outside the Hudson Theatre, and there's a kind of camaraderie that develops. Definitely make friends and chat with the folks in the line in front of you, and behind you, so you can watch out for one another. And scope out the nearby 24-hour McDonald's for cheap eats and the use of their restroom. Others here have offered many great tips, so take their advice. (I would NOT try to sleep in a hotel lobby; they'll kick you out.) For what it's worth, I wrote up my overnight experience about ''Sunday in the Park'' for BroadwayWorld.com, so here's a link. Have fun!

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Sunday-in-the-Dark-for-Rush-Or-How-Fans-Slept-Their-Way-to-See-Sondheim-20170421 

Updated On: 10/10/17 at 12:03 PM

[Wick3]

Posted: 10/10/17 at 1:07pm

You'll be fine. I haven't done cancellation line at DEH since late July but I'd imagine there are people who get there really early like around 3am until Ben leaves on Nov 19th. Remember Dear Evan Hansen is just across the street from Come From Away so you won't be alone in waiting. Perhaps go to CFA first once you arrive and if the area looks empty, just go to a bar or diner (bars close at 4am in NYC). 

Good luck! 

[3NU]

Posted: 10/12/17 at 1:00am

Thanks again for all this great advice. Much appreciated.

I ended up getting to the theater around 230am and was the first one there. As Wick3 noted, there were three people on the DEH line across the street, and the lighted Carousel sign at the Imperial was bright enough to light up the sidewalks on both sides of the street that were nearby. As such, I took the chance to just secure my belongings and sleep at the Schoenfeld. By the time I woke up from my first nap at 530am, there were already 2 other people in line.