Subscriber FAQ
Photo © Paul Kolnik |
Why do I always see the same dancers?
There are instances when only one dancer knows or has learned a certain role. There can be any number of reasons for this. It is unusual; but it does happen sometimes, especially when a ballet is completely new to the Company. Dancers appear based on which ballets are on a program, not by day of the week or performance time (matinee v. evening). All dancers do not perform in all ballets.
Why do dancers only dance certain days a week?
All NYCB dancers perform on all days of the performance week (Tuesday - Sunday). Casting is based on the artistic demands of a particular ballet or pairing of partners. Certain ballets may only have one cast of dancers. The programming determines which dancers perform at different times. It is not based on time of day or day of the week.
Why does a ballet I was promised get changed?
It is very infrequent that NYCB changes an announced program. However, there are times when it is completely unavoidable. These decisions are not made lightly. Program changes almost always occur due to the illness or injury of a dancer or dancers. (NYCB is just as subject to a flu epidemic as the population at large!) On occasions when sufficient time permits, a role may be taught to a dancer on an “emergency” basis so that the scheduled ballet may proceed. There are many famous examples of this in the Company’s history; but sometimes it simply is not possible.
Why do I never see a premiere on my subscription?
Individual ballets, whether new or old, in traditional seasons are only performed 4-5 times a season. If there are two new ballets each season that means there is only a 13% chance of seeing a premiere in winter and a 19% chance of seeing one in spring as part of a single subscription series. It is, in part, a function of the size of the repertory on view each season and a large number (15+) of subscription series. With the exception of a major full-length work such as George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker ™ or The Sleeping Beauty presented over the course of two or several weeks, no ballet at NYCB receives 15 performances a season. This has always been the Company’s tradition and permits new ballets to have a life of several seasons before “resting” from the repertory.
In the case of Diamond Project seasons when a large number of new ballets are introduced into the repertory, this is less of an issue and many subscriptions are highlighted with the world premiere of a new work. In Spring 2006, the seven world premiere Diamond Project ballets took place on four days of the week: Wednesday (2), Thursdays (3) Friday (1) and Saturday (1) spread over four different subscription series and one non-subscription evening.
Why does NYCB post casting only one week in advance of performance?
Casting in a company where a large number of repertory ballets are performed in one week is very different than in a company where the majority of programs are full-length ballets. Where a large revolving repertory dominates, greater numbers of lead dancers or partners are necessary as opposed to one principal couple on any given program and their availability is determined by the particular repertory mix being performed each night. If any one dancer suffers an injury, illness or becomes unavailable for any reason, there can be a domino effect when performing repertory pieces. Announcing casting closer to the time of actual performance limits the amount of impact of changes to the schedule.
How can I improve my seats?
NYCB subscribers are very loyal and tend to hold on to their seats season after season. However, it never hurts to ask and the Company encourages subscribers to do so, understanding that the better your current seats are, the longer it might take to upgrade them. Requests can be directed to the Subscription Department at 212-870-5580 or 800-580-8730 or indicated on your subscription renewal form.
When are subscription tickets mailed?
Winter Season subscription tickets are mailed in November. Spring Season subscription tickets are mailed in April. It is not unusual that subscription tickets often arrive within 10-14 days of the start of the season.
How do I donate tickets back to the Company?
Tickets you are unable to use may be donated back to the Company. You will receive a tax receipt for your gift. Tickets can be donated by calling 212-870-5667, 2 hours before curtain. Ticket Donation Calling Hours are:
between 5:30-7 pm, Tuesday & Wednesday.
between 6-7:30 pm, Thursday-Saturday
between 12N-1:30 pm for Saturday matinees
between 1 pm-2:30 pm for Sunday matinees
Online Ticket Donations, click HERE.
What happens if I misplace my tickets?
Subscription tickets will be replaced with a location pass to admit you to the Theater. As soon as you are aware that you can't find your tickets or have lost them, you should contact the Subscription Department at 212-496-0600, M-F, 10 am-5 pm, to let them know. If it occurs on the weekend, you should contact the Box Office at 212-870-5570 and ask for their assistance. If you notice the ticket loss or a ticket mix-up just prior to the performance, see the House Manager on the Theater Left side of the Box Office windows in the Lobby of the Theater.
