Families living in New York City Housing Authority homes who already go to the New Victory Theater are to be offered free and discounted seats across Broadway and Off-Broadway, under a new program from New 42 and TDF, Broadway News reports.
The program is called the Arts Access Pathway, and it builds on FamilyTix, the scheme New 42 set up in 2022 for NYCHA households. FamilyTix gives those families up to four free tickets per production at the New Victory Theater, which New 42 runs, along with prepaid OMNY cards for the journey, ASL-interpreted and sensory-friendly performances, activities led by teaching artists and the chance to meet the company after every show. According to Broadway News, it has given away 4,804 free tickets since it began.
The new step deals with what comes after those first visits. Households that have attended at least three New Victory performances will be invited into the Arts Access Pathway, which opens up TDF’s free and discounted tickets for Broadway and Off-Broadway productions, as well as dance and music at institutions including New York City Center and Lincoln Center. Participants will also be invited to community events such as daytime performances and talkbacks.
The two nonprofits say the goal is to turn first-time audiences into lifelong ones, and they plan to measure whether it works. Dr. Thalia R. Goldstein, associate professor at George Mason University and director of its Play, Learning, Arts and Youth Lab, will lead a multiyear study of what regular theatergoing does for the families involved. NYCHA residents can take part through voluntary surveys and focus groups.
“Every New Yorker deserves the opportunity to experience the transformative power of the arts,” NYCHA chief executive Lisa Bova-Hiatt said in a statement.
New 42 started life in 1990 as a redevelopment body for 42nd Street and now operates the New Victory, New 42 Studios and a paid Youth Corps for young New Yorkers. TDF, best known for the TKTS booths, also runs open-captioned, audio-described and ASL-interpreted performances, school partnerships and a discount membership.
