Coming to the Theater
It's easier than you think!
PREPARATION
Normally, the more you know, the more you enjoy. This is true whether you are a seasoned attendee or a first-timer. One thing you can do is read the Repertory Notes available at the website to see an image of the ballet, hear a bit of the music, read up on the composer, or history of the work so you have an idea of what to look forward to. Checking Dancer Biographies will give an idea of who you might be seeing or learn who is new to the Company.
For people unfamiliar with New York City Ballet, taking a look at NYCB’s Brief History or the NYCB Chronology will provide an understanding of how the Company came into existence and where it stands in ballet’s long history.
If you have time, or are bringing youngsters, you might wish to listen to a recording of the music for the ballets you will see. Available recordings can be found in the Discography. The website has online storybooks for a number of classic ballets (more are in development!) that are perfect for preparing children for a visit to these ballets.
When the Company is in season, The Buzz and Front Row Center will bring you indispensable insights to works on the schedule. Books and videos provide even greater depth and insight, if time and interest allow. Click here for a Bibliography. Click here for the NYCB Videography.
To become familiar with the dancers in the Company that you will see on stage, you can always purchase a Headshot Book in the Lobby before going in to the performance. It is the easiest way to put a name to a face or identify a dancer in a certain role. Headshot books can also be purchased online at the NYCB Gift Shop.
Once you are in the Theater, we encourage you to read the articles and ballet descriptions in the Playbill and to visit the Information Tables situated around the Theater. They have a wide array of interesting, free materials that cover many aspects of NYCB and its repertory.
ATTIRE
The days of formal attire at the ballet, opera or symphony are long past. Today, most patrons come dressed in what might best be described as “office casual” — clothes in which they are comfortable. Suit jackets and ties are not required for men. Jeans are fine. Individuals having an elegant “night out on the town” will come dressed for exactly that type of occasion. During the holiday season, when there is an opportunity to have photographs taken with one of the characters from George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™, some families will come dressed, especially the children, in holiday finery.
CHILDREN'S ATTENDANCE POLICY
It is New York City Ballet’s policy not to admit children under the age of five (5) to repertory performances. This policy does not apply to performances of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™; however, parents, grandparents and adult chaperones should be aware that is still best to wait until a child has reached the age of five given their limited attention spans and ability to maintain quiet for reasonable periods of time. If children become disruptive during a performance to other members of the audience, ushers will insist that the children and accompanying adults leave the auditorium.
WHAT TIME SHOULD I ARRIVE?
Audience members are admitted to the auditorium one half-hour (30 minutes) prior to the start of the performance. If audience members are picking up tickets at the Box Office, they should allow at least 15 minutes to do so should there be long reservation lines.
For audience members driving in from New Jersey or the outer boroughs, it is always a good idea to check to see if there are local sporting events (Yankees, Mets, Giants, Jets, etc.) taking place at the same time as the performance that might cause traffic delays at the major crossings.
With the current construction taking place at Lincoln Center and the constant changes in traffic patterns around the various theaters, allowing some extra walking time to and from your car, the subway or bus stops is a good idea.
PICKING UP TICKETS
Tickets are mailed to ticket buyers as long as there are seven (7) days between the date of ticket order and date of performance; unless patrons specify they wish the tickets held at the box office. All foreign orders (with the exception of orders from Canada and Puerto Rico) are held for pickup at the Box Office. Tickets may be picked up during Box Office hours up until the time of performance. Patrons who have lost or mislaid tickets or mixed up dates of attendance and need to see a House Manager can find the House Managers 30 minutes before the start of performances to the left of the Box Office windows in the Lobby of the Theater. .
WHAT TO EXPECT
The New York State Theater is a truly majestic space. Architect Philip Johnson designed the entrance and ascending staircases in a way that would lead the audience “up” to the level of performance. The neutral colors of the Theater were chosen specifically so that the people in attendance would provide the color and vibrancy of the house. The historic photographs that adorn the walls present a visual record of the breathtaking performances and amazing talents that have made New York City Ballet the milestone in ballet history that it is.
Everything that has gone before leads to this moment—when the lights go dark, the curtain rises and the music begins. Enjoy.