Secrets of the DPAC Box Office 

By : Kendall

Things in DPAC’s box office on Broadway nights can get pretty intense. I found this out for myself when I shadowed the lovely ladies behind the counter on November 28th, the opening night for Elf the Musical. Throughout the night, my mentors talked about how the line can be backed up out the door with people buying tickets for the show that day, picking up will-call tickets, claiming won tickets, and even getting seats for other shows.

My job that night was to be a little bit of a runner- every time someone came up to the window for a lottery or will-call seat, I grabbed their respective envelope or form, ripped off a stub stating that the ticket had been picked up, and placed it in the “master” manilla envelope. That helps DPAC keep track of the tickets that aren’t as easily accounted for through their Ticketmaster system.

On the 28th, the box office wasn’t too busy, as it was a weeknight show, so I got plenty of time to talk the ins-and-outs of the job with the employees, as well as a bit of what our lives were like. One of the amazing women was planning on going back to college to get her third degree (!!!). The really incredible thing about being a DPAC Ambassador is that opportunities for connection lurk around every corner - every time you do a job, you get to meet a talented and kind DPAC volunteer who you get to learn from.

Another example of that kind of mentorship that the Ambassadors experienced was a post-show talkback. After the theater spaced had cleared out, the 16 of us got to talk to some members of the company- three actors and a pit-member/assistant musical conductor! We got to ask them questions about their experience being in the theatrical workforce and wellness while being on the road with a show. It was truly amazing. 

Here’s a look at the pit from during the talk-back

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                             

 

 A pre-show look at the stage!