Hello All! I was looking into the Theatermania Goldclub membership, and I was hoping somebody can answer my questions. I was wondering if the membership is worth it, and how the program works? Like is there a list of shows I can choose from? Is it kinda like TDF where they list the shows that are available and the dates? And for anyone that currently has the membership what shows are available?
First off, no member will tell you what's available. That's not allowed. Producers would prefer to keep it secret that tickets to their show are being given away for free.
In my opinion, Gold Club has been slow lately. But no one can tell you if it's "worth it." That depends on your taste and whether you're available to see shows during the week. If you are, you'll get more selection.
I recommend doing the $10.99 monthly membership and trying it out. You can cancel anytime.
I took advantage of their Black Friday deal for $59 annual membership a few months back. The membership paid for itself with my first reservation. There are a lot to choose from if you like variety but the shows are mostly Off-Broadway. In terms of Broadway shows, I’ve only been able to go to one, but I know there’s been others that have been offered that I have not been able to attend. I’ve been to 6 shows/events since getting the membership 2 months ago.
Theatre Extras seems to overall have the best selection. I've seen at least a dozen Broadway shows in the past 6 months through them and they also get sports games and concerts. Play by Play doesn't have quite as much, but they also get more Broadway than Gold Club. I have all of them and they definitely all pay for themselves.
Yes, it's basically like TDF in format except the good shows disappear much more quickly.
I agree that things have been pretty slow (I've seen 2-3 things a month) but if you are the kind of person who likes to see smaller shows but wouldn't if you had to pay full price, it ends up being worth it. If you usually find yourself thinking you'd like to see a little off-Broadway show that may or may not have a notable (at least in theater circles) performer it might be for you. It helps if you like plays because aside from the random concerts there aren't a lot of musical theater offerings off Broadway (that aren't for children).
I agree that if you try it for a month you'll get a decent idea of what theater companies and venues tend to distribute extra tickets though each program and that can be a big factor in your decision. Personally, I hang in there for those particular theater companies and venues and everything else is just a bonus.
If cost is a big issue you can do OK with just show-score and willcall.
I will say that while obviously everything on TDF isn't on these sites, I think it's rare that something on these sites wasn't on TDF at one point. So if you're not excited by what's on TDF, there aren't surprises hiding on these sites (for the most part).
What I really like about Show-Score is that if you're unable to attend a performance, you can cancel or reschedule (if you cancel you get your $5/ticket refund), as long as it's at least 24 hours in advance. Show-Score really cares about its members and the people there are so easy to deal with.
I got a 40% off discount because of my membership in the NJEA community. I contacted the club via email to upgrade my account from the standard membership, still waiting for the terms and conditions and whether my community membership will influence that.
joined:9/9/15
joined:
9/9/15
Posted: 1/21/18 at 12:19pm