It has been way too long since I've posted. Between finals, starting a new internship, and dealing with some major health issues, this blog had to take a backseat for a while. But as summer is kicking into full swing, so am I! Summer is the best season for amazing free and cheap events in the city. Case and point: Shakespeare in the Park.
Since 1962, the Public Theater has been sponsoring free performances of Shakespeare's most iconic plays in Central Park; often casting big name actors like Amy Adams, Meryl Streep, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, and Anne Hathaway. Performed in the open air Delacorte Theater, stadium seating guarantees there is not a bad seat in the house.
This year's performances include Much Ado about Nothing (through July 6th) and King Lear (July 22nd-August 17th). I was so excited when my friend Bekah volunteered to go through the ticketing process (see below). We attended the show last Wednesday. I would not consider myself a Shakespeare fan. In fact I was barely certain I would be able to follow the storyline with all those thee's and thou's much less actually enjoy the play. So I was absolutely shocked when I found myself laughing out loud along with the rest of the audience at the many hilarious jokes and becoming emotionally invested in the romances of the characters. It was truly a great experience and one I would highly recommend to others.
Read on to find out how you can get tickets and my tips for making it the best experience it can be!
How to Get Tickets:
- At the Park: Tickets are distributed at 12 PM at the theater for the performance happening that night. If you decide to get tickets this way, arrive early and be prepared to wait! People start lining up around 7 AM but on most days, getting there by 9 AM is sufficient for most performances.
- Online Lottery: Request tickets online by creating an account and entering the lottery between midnight and noon the day of the performance. If you are a recipient, you will be notified via email after 12 PM and you can pick up your tickets between 5 PM and 7 PM that evening.
- Also on a few days tickets will be distributed at select locations within the five boroughs.
You can view their full ticket policy online for more information.
Tahlia's Tips for a Great SITP Experience:
- Double Your Chances of Getting Tickets: Keep in mind that regardless of the mode of entry, each person is entitled to only two tickets. However, you can still enter the lottery online AND wait in line on the day of the performance so you are twice as likely to get tickets. Or if you are unable to wait in line, decide on a date with a friend that you both are free for the show and agree to enter the online raffle separately with the understanding that you'll bring the other person if you win. And if you both win, you can each invite someone else too!
- Bring a Picnic: Shakespeare in the Park is one of the few performing arts events that allows outside food within the premises. In fact, picnics are encouraged. Bekah and I shared a box of my favorite cookies to enjoy during the show and it seemed like almost everyone around us had something to munch on.
- Be Prepared for the Elements: The performance goes until about 11 PM. Even on the hottest days, temperatures drop significantly at night. Bringing a jacket is prudent. Also, performances are not cancelled on account of rain, only postponed until it is safe for the audience and actors. As a result, if there's a chance of showers, bring a poncho to stay dry (not an umbrella...unless you want death stares from the people sitting behind you).
So join the over 5 million people who have enjoyed Shakespeare in the Park over the past 60 years! You won't regret it!
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