TDF Launches Program To Provide Veterans With Free Admissions to Broadway Shows

TDF, the not-for-profit service organization dedicated to bringing the power of the performing arts to everyone has partnered with City Council member Eric Ulrich, Chair of the Committee on Veterans to launch a new pilot program, TDF Veterans Theatregoing Program, which will provide admission, at no cost, to New York City's former servicemen and women of all ages who have served in any branch of the armed forces. The program was launched yesterday with 50 NYC Veterans attending a matinee performance of Miss Saigon. Thanks to funding from the New York City Council, TDF will offer a limited number of free tickets to Broadway shows, which will be distributed through partnering veterans groups. In addition, talks with veterans who are working with each production will be offered to help build a sense of community with former service members in attendance. TDF will also offer complimentary TDF Memberships to any participating veterans so they can continue their theatergoing at greatly reduced costs.

To date, seven Broadway shows have committed to providing tickets at low cost for this pilot program. The program launched yesterday at a performance of Miss Saigon on Sunday, December 17 at 4pm. Subsequent performances include: Beautiful on Sunday, January 21 at 7pm; Come From Away on Thursday, January 25 at 7pm; School of Rock on Monday, January 29, 7pm; Chicago on Sunday, February 4 at 2:30pm; A Bronx Tale on May 16 at 7pm; Kinky Boots on Saturday, May 19 at 2pm.

"I am proud to support TDF's Veterans Theatregoing Program, which will give our nation's heroes access to some of the most popular shows on Broadway," said Councilman Eric Ulrich, Chair of the Veterans Committee. "Though we will never be able to fully repay the sacrifices of our brave men and women in uniform, this initiative serves as a small token of appreciation to New York City's veterans. I'd like to thank TDF, and all participating groups, for turning this vision into a reality."

"We're thankful to Councilman Ulrich for offering us the opportunity to be able to serve this wonderful group of New Yorkers," said Victoria Bailey, TDF's Executive Director. "This pilot program helps solidify our ongoing commitment to make sure that everyone in New York City has access to the performing arts."

"We are thrilled by the opportunity to welcome more of our city's veterans to theatre," said Lisa Carling, Director of TDF Accessibility Programs, "and heartened by the generosity of the Broadway community in supporting this effort."

"We at SAGE are proud to partner our SAGEVets initiative with TDF's Pilot Veterans Program championed by Councilman Eric Ulrich," said Shawn Nixon, SAGEVets Program Coordinator. "Many of our LGBT elders face social isolation, which can lead to a decline in physical and mental health. This program will be instrumental in enriching the lives of our LGBT vets through music, performance, and social opportunities. We look forward to the many different benefits that this partnership will bring."

Among the organizations TDF is partnering with to help identify interested veterans are: Advocacy & Services for LGBT Elders, SAGEVets; Borden Avenue Veterans Residence; CUNY Student Veterans; DE-CRUIT/Bedlam Outreach; Easter Seals; Jericho Project; Samaritan Village; Sam Young American Legion Post #602; Services for the Underserved, Veterans Division; and Veterans of America, Patriot House.

TDF is a not-for-profit service organization for the performing arts, dedicated to bringing the power of the performing arts to everyone. Founded in 1968, TDF's mission is to sustain live theatre and dance by engaging and cultivating a broad and diverse audience and eliminating barriers to attendance.

TDF fulfills its mission with a variety of programs that expand access, cultivate communities and support the makers of the performing arts. Best known for its theatre going programs (including the TKTS by TDF Discount Booths and TDF Membership Program), TDF's accessibility (including open captioned, audio described and Autism Friendly performances), school (serving over 10,000 New York City student annually), community engagement and information programs - as well as the TDF Costume Collection Rental and Research Programs - have introduced millions of people to the theatre and helped make the unique experience of theatre available to everyone.

TDF envisions a world where the transformative experience of attending live theatre and dance is essential, relevant, accessible and inspirational. To learn more about TDF, go to: www.tdf.org.