Broadway Offers Free Theatre Memberships to NYC Seniors
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Graduating seniors from New York City’s public and charter high schools are in for a treat! The Theatre Progress Fund (TDF) is offering them free one-year memberships, continuing a program that brought joy to over 2,200 seniors last year. Access to a world of theatrical experiences, from Broadway and Off-Broadway shows to Off-Off-Broadway, musicals, and dance performances, will be within reach thanks to these discounted tickets.
But the excitement doesn’t stop there! Every senior who signs up for the membership is automatically entered into a raffle for a chance to win two tickets to either “Hell’s Kitchen” or “SIX: The Musical.” This special opportunity is made possible through TDF’s partnership with those productions and the New York City Public Schools Arts Office.
Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, TDF plans to host a graduation party for seniors near its iconic Times Square booth. Music, memorable photo opportunities, and a chance to celebrate this exciting milestone with fellow graduates await. Principals of NYC public and charter schools will soon share details about the “Graduation Gift” program and registration process. Seniors should be ready with their NYC DOE student ID Number (OSIS) to confirm their eligibility.
““We are thrilled to be launching the second year of TDF’s Graduation Gift after a successful inaugural 2024,” states Ginger Bartkoski Meagher, TDF’s Vice President of Programs. “TDF believes that theatre belongs to everyone and that experiencing NYC’s thriving arts scene should be accessible to all. Together with partners like the NYC Public Schools Arts Office,
“Hell’s Kitchen” on Broadway, and the newest addition “SIX” on Broadway, TDF extends a warm welcome to the next generation of theatregoers,”
“We are thrilled to partner again and support the NYC senior class with an opportunity that may inspire some new dreams of their own,” said Aaron Lustbader, executive producer of the popular show *Hell’s Kitchen*. He went on to explain,“The story of *Hell’s kitchen* is so deeply rooted in the birth and realization of big dreams and the support system around young dreamers to be able to realize their full potential.
Adding to the excitement, Kevin McCollum, producer of the acclaimed musical *SIX*, shared his enthusiasm for this initiative. “In the spirit of empowering students to find their unique voices, *SIX* is honored to support graduating seniors as they boldly take their next steps.”
NYC High School Seniors: your Free Pass to Broadway Awaits!
for NYC graduating high school seniors, the world of theatre just got a whole lot more accessible – for free!
The Theatre Development Fund (TDF) is thrilled to announce the continuation of its astonishing initiative offering a year-long, discounted membership to graduating seniors. This program, launched last year with resounding success, aims to introduce the magic of live performance to NYC’s brightest minds, helping them cultivate a lifelong love for the arts.
“We’re delighted to continue our efforts to introduce the magic of theatre to our city’s graduating seniors,” says Victoria Hart, Executive Director of TDF. “Last year, we saw an astounding response, with over 2,200 seniors taking advantage of this opportunity. This year, we’re aiming to reach even more, providing them with discounts to a world of theatre experiences – from Broadway to Off-Off-Broadway shows, musicals, and dance performances.”
More than just discounted tickets,TDF’s membership offers a gateway to diverse cultural experiences and encourages critical thinking. By exposing young adults to different genres and venues, the program sparks imagination and broadens perspectives.
To sweeten the deal, TDF has teamed up with “Hamilton” and “SIX: The Musical” in partnership with the New York City Public Schools Arts Office to offer every graduating senior who signs up a chance to win two tickets to one of these smash-hit productions. It’s the perfect graduation party!
This initiative is a testament to TDF’s mission, established since 1968: to make theatre accessible to all.
“TDF was founded on the principle of making theatre accessible to all,” explains Hart. “We’ve been working to break down barriers – financial, physical, and or else – that might prevent someone from experiencing live theatre. Today, we continue that mission, striving to create a more inclusive, diverse theatre community. Initiatives like this one help us reach our city’s young adults, inspire them, and contribute to a vibrant cultural landscape.”
for more information about this exciting opportunity, visit here.
Rediscovering the Joy of Theater in Your Golden Years
Senior theater is experiencing a surge in popularity, offering a unique opportunity for older adults to connect, socialize, and rediscover the magic of performing arts. Richard Hitchler, 54, a founding artistic director, puts it beautifully: “Senior theater is a great way to connect to your peers, socialize, move your body, meet new people, find similar interests and simply have fun.”
For seniors seeking engaging activities that promote wellbeing and community, theater provides a vibrant platform. It fosters a sense of belonging, encouraging individuals to express themselves creatively and share their stories with others. The shared experience of rehearsals and performances creates lasting bonds and strengthens social connections.
Beyond the social benefits, senior theater offers a valuable outlet for physical and mental stimulation. Learning lines, participating in rehearsals, and performing on stage keeps the mind sharp and encourages physical activity, promoting overall health and wellbeing.
How does TDF’s “Graduation Gift” program align with the association’s overall mission of making theatre accessible?
Archyde News Exclusive: An Interview with Ginger bartkoski Meagher, TDF’s Vice President of Programs
Archyde News: Welcome to Archyde News, Ginger! It’s great to have you here to discuss the Theatre Growth fund’s (TDF) astonishing “Graduation Gift” program for NYC high school seniors.
Ginger Bartkoski Meagher: Thank you for having me.I’m thrilled to speak about this wonderful initiative!
archyde News: Last year, TDF offered free one-year memberships to over 2,200 seniors.How did you decide to continue and expand this program for 2025?
Ginger Bartkoski Meagher: Well, the success and impact of last year’s program where undeniable. We saw firsthand how these discounted tickets opened up a world of theatrical experiences for these young adults, fostering a love for the arts that can last a lifetime. So, we knew we had to continue and, if possible, expand. This year, we’re aiming to reach even more seniors and make their graduation a truly special and memorable experience.
Archyde News: That’s amazing! Speaking of expansions, this year’s program includes a raffle for tickets to “Hell’s Kitchen” and “SIX: The Musical.” How did these partnerships come about?
Ginger Bartkoski Meagher: We’re so grateful for the support of Aaron Lustbader, executive producer of “Hell’s Kitchen,” and Kevin McCollum, producer of “SIX.” They both share our passion for making theatre accessible to all and understand the impact this program can have on these young lives.These strategic partnerships have made it possible for us to offer even more exciting opportunities to the senior class of 2025.
Archyde News: And there’s a graduation party in the works, too! can you give us any sneak peeks or details about what to expect?
Ginger Bartkoski Meagher: We’re incredibly excited about the graduation party! We want it to be a true celebration of their achievements and a fun, memorable event to kickstart their post-graduation journey. Think music,photo opportunities,and a chance to connect with fellow graduates and theatre enthusiasts. Our iconic times Square booth will be the perfect backdrop for this festive gathering.
archyde News: That sounds like an unforgettable experience.Now, TDF’s mission is to make theatre accessible to everyone. How does this program contribute to that mission?
Ginger Bartkoski Meagher: At TDF, we believe that theatre belongs to everyone, and experiencing the arts should be accessible to all, regardless of their background or circumstances. This program is a perfect illustration of our commitment to that mission. By providing graduating seniors with free memberships, we’re opening doors to a world of theatrical experiences that they might not have access to or else. Our hope is that this exposure will foster a lifelong love for the arts and create new generations of theatregoers and creators.
Archyde News: It’s truly a inspiring initiative. Before we wrap up, any final words or advice for this year’s graduating seniors?
Ginger Bartkoski Meagher: To the class of 2025 – congratulations on your upcoming graduation! We can’t wait for you to take your frist step into the magical world of theatre. don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to explore all that broadway and the arts scene have to offer. And remember, theatre belongs to you, so come claim your seat and enjoy the show!
Archyde News: Thank you so much, Ginger, for joining us today and sharing your enthusiasm for this fantastic program. We can’t wait to see the impact it has on this year’s graduating seniors.
Ginger Bartkoski Meagher: Thank you for having me and for supporting TDF’s mission. Let’s make this a wonderful year for NYC’s graduating seniors!
Stay tuned to Archyde News for updates on the TDF’s “Graduation Gift” program and other exciting developments in the world of theatre.
