“Due to the phenomenon (that is) ‘Hamilton,’ we have seen an uptick in subscription sales,” said Sue Stevens, Dayton Live Vice President – Marketing and Communications. “We’ve spoken to our peers across the country who tell us that having ‘Hamilton’ will have a huge impact on total subscription sales, which is very exciting. During the financial downturn of 2008 and 2009, we were very fortunate to have ‘Wicked’ for the first time. So, for us to be able to get to tease that we’ll have ‘Hamilton’ in 2022 right now in this point in time is pretty special. But what’s interesting as well is that our ticket agents, who are all working remotely from home with special technology to do so, (are handling) phone calls lasting (upward) of 20 to 30 minutes. A lot of people who are calling have no framework or reference as to what it means to be a season ticket holder, especially for the Broadway Series.”
Here is what you need to know about how subscriptions work and how to access tickets for Hamilton:
SEASON TICKET BASICS
Subscribers to the 2020-2021 season will receive tickets to six shows, receive the same seats to all six shows, and the opportunity to renew those same seats for the 2021-2022 season among other benefits and perks, Stevens explained.
Held at the Schuster Center, the shows in that package are: “Jesus Christ Superstar” (Jan. 12-17, 2021), “Fiddler on the Roof” (Feb. 9-14, 2021), “The Band’s Visit” (March 9-14, 2021), Disney’s “The Lion King” (May 6-23, 2021), “Dear Evan Hansen” (June 8-13, 2021) and “Anastasia” (July 20-25, 2021).
Tickets for “Cats” (July 6-11, 2021) are separate.
HOW TO GET ‘HAMILTON’ TICKETS
“A lot of people want to buy tickets to ‘Hamilton’ right now,” Stevens said. “But the best bet is to subscribe to the 2020-2021 season. And when it becomes time to renew for the 2021-2022 season, ‘Hamilton’ will be on that season and upon renewal they will be the first people to get those tickets.”
For those waiting until single tickets go on sale, Stevens offers a word of warning.
“The inventory will be much more limited,” she said. “So, your best way to guarantee your seats is to become a subscriber now.”
Kristina Bilbrey, Dayton Live Director – Series Ticketing, said single tickets for “Hamilton” have been a hot commodity in other markets.
“We’ve seen across the country how quickly single tickets will go for ‘Hamilton’ especially the long waits,” she said. “But if you really want to be certain of your tickets, the best way is to be a season ticket holder and do so as soon as you can if you’re looking for the best seats.”
THE ‘HAMILTON’ EFFECT
Bilbrey acknowledges the “Hamilton” announcement couldn’t have come at a better time. She cites significant interest between subscribers and newcomers alike.
“It’s been pretty amazing,” she said. “We had a jump of new season subscriptions about 268 percent in a week. For comparison, the first time we had ‘Wicked’ we also had ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ on that same season and that was the biggest new season ticket holder numbers we had. We’re already about 20 percent to that and we still have five months to go before the new season starts. Also, we have people who used to be season ticket holders years ago who are coming back into the fold. We have single ticket buyers who purchased tickets here and there who finally decided this was the year to sign up for an entire season simply because of the nudge of ‘Hamilton.’ We also have first-timers, particularly a couple who just moved here from North Carolina and had never been in our (venues) but became season ticket holders eventually because of ‘Hamilton.’”
She also views the blockbuster as a boost to morale internally and externally, especially with the idea of social distancing evaporating before 2022.
“We want to bring great arts to Dayton and want people to get excited and we’re really able to do that now,” she said. “Watching our season ticket holder family grow has been (special) because our season ticket holders are the heart of what we do. But hearing the enthusiasm from patrons (overall) is so rewarding. People have told me they can’t wait to have their date night back. Others have said they can’t wait to join their friends inside the theater again and have something on their calendar to look forward to. One of our new subscribers told me she couldn’t wait for ‘Hamilton’ because it’s the one night she’s guaranteed not to have to cook because her husband will take her out to dinner. People also want to simply support the city which is really great.”
DAYTON LIVE COVID-19 TICKET GUARANTEE
Taking the coronavirus pandemic into consideration for the 2020-2021 season, Dayton Live offers a special COVID-19 Ticket Guarantee. Developed in collaboration with performing arts centers across the country as well as touring Broadway as a whole, the guarantee applies to most events presented in its venues. If, once Dayton Live’s venues are open and performances are again filling the calendar, a patron feels COVID-19 conditions make it unsafe to attend a performance or event, they’ll have several options starting 30 days before their performance. The options are:
• Exchange for another event.
• Donate the value to the nonprofit presenting organization. As not-for-profit arts organizations, Dayton Live and its resident companies rely on donations and grants more than ever to continue strengthening the arts through community engagement, educational opportunities, and world-class venues.
• Receive a credit or gift certificate for your total order amount, including service fees.
• Receive a refund.
Regarding ticketing, Dayton Live also offers payment plans as well as various swap options. For questions regarding tickets or for more information, call (937) 228-3630 or visit daytonlive.org.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ‘HAMILTON’
Q: When will ‘Hamilton’ be in Dayton?
A: ‘Hamilton’ will make its debut at the Schuster Center as part of the 2021-2022 Premier Health Broadway in Dayton Season. The specific performance dates will be announced soon.
Q: How do I get tickets?
A: Tickets are not yet on sale for “Hamilton.” The best way to stay informed is by signing up for Dayton Live’s e-mail list. You will receive updates and be the first to know when tickets will go on sale. The best way to guarantee access to seats is by becoming a full season Premier Health Broadway in Dayton season ticket-holder now. Only season ticket-holders who renew their season tickets for the 2021-2022 season will be able to guarantee their tickets for the Dayton engagement of “Hamilton” before tickets become available to the general public.
Q: When will tickets go on sale?
A: A general public on-sale date for “Hamilton” has not yet been announced. Information about when season ticket-holders can purchase or renew season tickets for the 2021-2022 season will be provided in spring 2021.
Q: What will the ticket prices be?
A: Ticket prices have not yet been announced.
Q: Where can I purchase tickets to “Hamilton?”
A: DaytonLive.org is your primary source for tickets and information. DaytonLive.org and the venue ticket offices of the Schuster Center, Victoria Theatre and PNC Arts Annex (once the company opens regular business hours again) are the only authorized office ticket sellers of “Hamilton” in Dayton. If you see tickets listed anywhere else, there is no guarantee those tickets will be legitimate and/or priced correctly.
Q: For what age is “Hamilton” appropriate?
A: Because “Hamilton” contains some strong language, the show is recommended for ages 10 and up. Infants are not allowed in the theater. Children 6 years of age and above are permitted but must have their own ticket.
Q: Will there be a lottery for “Hamilton?”
A: Yes! There will be a lottery for a limited number of $10 tickets to “Hamilton.” Details will be announced closer to the engagement.
About the Author