“To people from all over the country who want to help, I have a great way of helping: come here and spend money. Go to a restaurant, see a show. The life of the City goes on.”
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani, September 16, 2001
The Broadway theatre community has united behind efforts to bring relief to people and businesses in New York City following the terrorist attacks of September 11. As announced by the League of American Theatres and Producers, a number of programs are now underway. They include donations to a fund for victims’ families, as well as a major public service marketing initiative that is designed to bring residents of the tri-state area back to Broadway, and to help initiate financial recovery for the many New York City business that are struggling due to the tragedy. According to League President Jed Bernstein, "Although we too are suffering with financial losses due to the crisis, as a community we feel compelled to use our particular industry talents to help raise funds for relief and rescue efforts and the morale of city and tri-state residents."
The League has sent out a letter to a number of unions offering a ticket discount policy for union employees. They have worked out an arrangement for $25.00 tickets for a range of Broadway shows.
Two tickets will be available for purchase at the box office, subject to availability (Saturday performances excluded) to any union member presenting their union or guild membership card, plus photo identification at any Shubert, Nederlander, Jujamcyn, Helen Hayes, Lincoln Center Theatre, New Amsterdam or Ford Theatres. (The League is awaiting a response from the American Airlines and Henry Miller Theatres). These tickets will be available for $25 per ticket through October 31, 2001. Only the first ticket needs to be a union member, the second ticket can be for a non-member family or friend.
The following union or guilds are participating in this discount ticket policy: Actors Equity Association, American Federation of Musicians, ATPAM, Dramatists Guild, Engineers Union – Local 30, IATSE, Makeup Artists & Hairstylists Union – Local 796, Musicians Union – Local 802, Porters & Cleaners Union – Local 54, Sound Designers Union – Local 922, SSDC, Stagehands Union – Local One, Theatrical Wardrobe Union – Local 764, Treasures Union – Local 751, United Scenic Artists – Local 829, and Ushers & Doormen’s Union – Local 306.
In addition to the union policy, the League has also extended the discount ticket policy to those people most affected by this tragedy. In honor of the victims, their families, rescue and relief workers, armed forces, police, firemen, emergency medical technicians, every show is offering $25.00 seats to those who qualify.
Also, through September 30, for every ticket every time you purchase a ticket to a Broadway show, the production will donate $5 to the Mayor’s Twin Tower Fund. This program applies to performances through October 31, 2001 and is subject to prior sale and ticket availability.
Jed Bernstein summed up the situation: "The theatre community is in the unique position to use its creativity and collective voice to help contribute to both fundraising and, in some measure, the initial healing of our city. At the same time we need to raise awareness that Broadway and hundreds of other businesses are suffering due to this devastating crisis. We want to help ourselves and to help our fellow New Yorkers in this incredible time of need. I am so proud and amazed at how New Yorkers and the theatre family, in general, have stepped up to the bat so unselfishly and with such resolve."