Complimentary Ticket Policy

Theatre Program Thesis Productions

Students of the Theatre Program are entitled to one (1) complimentary ticket for each thesis production (i.e., Actors’, Playwrights’, and Directors’), subject to availability. Complimentary tickets for professional contacts (e.g., agents, outside producers, etc.) must be pre-approved by the General Manager of the production and are subject to availability. The production team of each thesis shall dictate any additional policies that apply to that show.

Any Theatre Program student who does not show up for their reserved seat to a Thesis production, or does not find someone to replace them, are at risk of losing the privilege of free tickets for one (1) semester, for both Columbia theses and non-Columbia shows. Repeat offenders are at risk of permanently losing their free ticket privileges.

In addition, your ticket will be released if you do not arrive at least 10 minutes before showtime. If you must cancel your reservation, you may do so up to 48 hours before the performance by contacting the Thesis’ Company Manager or the Director of Production. 

Non-Columbia Productions

The Theatre Program believes part of the education of a theatre professional is attending as many theatrical experiences as possible. To aid in this, a Ticket Fellow is hired every year to procure complimentary tickets from shows throughout New York City and the surrounding area, including Broadway, Off-Broadway, Off-Off Broadway, dance, opera, and performance art. Producers often provide these tickets during press performances (attended by critics and members of the creative team) as a way to paper the house with audiences who will be engaged and vocal in their appreciation of the work. Announcements about these opportunities are made via Columbia email only, and reservations are always first come, first serve. There is no set time when ticket announcements will be made.

Though the ticket(s) to the performance is free, reserving requires the following:

• showing up (or finding someone else to use the ticket).
• remaining until the end of the show.
• being discreet and tactful about the fact that the tickets were free.
• not speaking ill of the production while in the theatre.

Because of the above, a student should only request a complimentary ticket for a Thesis or Non-Columbia production if they are confident they will be able to attend. If a student breaks any of these rules, the Ticket Fellow has the right to remove that student from all future offers for one semester. Repeat offenders are at risk of permanently losing their free ticket privileges.