Standing at the two ends of the ticket line

Some of the neatest attractions in NYC are the shows. Broadway obviously springs to mind, but for those with modest budgets, attending the filming of television shows is a fun (and free) way to spend the afternoon.

The first show we attempted to see was 'Late Night with Jimmy Fallon' at NBC via stand-by tickets. In order to get stand-by, we walked down to 49th Street between 5th and 6th Avenue to the line outside 30 Rock by 8:20am. We picked up stand-by numbers seven through nine, unsure if we'd be able to get real tickets later in the day, and were told to come back at 3:45pm and check in at the second floor of the NBC Experience Store down the corner.

When we came back, we found that people could also be added to the stand-by list at 3:30pm as some 100 people were on the list (our line in the morning didn't extend past 14 people). We were then redirected to stand in front of the Tumi store by the studio entrance to wait and find out how many stand-by tickets would be honored. We headed over, waiting on the sidewalk and wondering where everyone was. It turns out everyone waits inside the building, which was thoughtful given the 94 degree weather.



Tickets were given to the first 70 stand-by ticket holders on this particular day and we happily made our way upstairs to an entrance of studio 6B. While getting wristbands and waiting to enter, two writers of the show approached our small group, inquiring about interest in playing a game on the show -- a 'dancing-that-isn't-dancing' game. With encouragement and the lure of a 'great' potential prize, my friend agreed to participate and all three of us were removed from the line so she could sign a document (she either agreed to be broadcasted or sold her soul or both). We were brought into the studio first and given priority seating to allow the contestants to mike-up and sit along the aisle before the rest of the audience filled the rows.

Jimmy Fallon's show was really entertaining and comfortable as both the atmosphere and the crew were excited. There was a comedian who got the crowd laughing and interactive before filming began and several suited men and pages keeping an eye out to make sure that no one took pictures of the studio. This was a big deal - no pictures were allowed at all and when caught, NBC employees made sure they were deleted. At least one person got away with a picture, but people should be more considerate of the rules given the fact that it's a free ticket to see great, free comedy.

Anyway, the highlight beyond seeing Fallon live (ah! SNL alum!), watching Rachel Maddow mix a bizarre drink, and listening to Heart, was definitely watching 'Dance Your Hat and Gloves Off'! All three contestants did a fantastic job, adding their own flavor, but I still can't believe that Clayton (#3) cheated a bit with the gloves, pulling them by the fingertips before the game started! Watch the clips that follow for a taste of North American dancing styles: Part 1 and Part 2

So, procuring tickets for Jimmy Fallon was overall fairly easy and definitely worthwhile. The set-up was smooth and everyone understood the ticket process. David Letterman, on the other hand, was the opposite.

I should preface that I've attempted to get Letterman tickets a couple of years ago and was unable that time (apparently losing the lottery). This time, I submitted an online submission for tickets, went to the studio at 9am to submit another paper for same day tickets, and called at 11am for standby (going back to the studio at 3:45pm to wait yet again).

The pages were quite nice and talkative but wouldn't provide any information on likelihood of lottery success or good vs bad standby tickets (we were 41-43; they only accepted 1-19 on this day) which made the long process frustrating as no guarantees are ever given out unless you get a phone call back.

I suppose a 50% success rate is acceptable for attending free shows, and I'm alright missing Letterman given that the guest wasn't a particularly enticing choice but that doesn't numb the annoyance that accompanies a lost afternoon.