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TDF launched a new service, “Off-Off@$9,” designed to build Off-Off Broadway audiences by providing $9 advance eTix exclusively to TDF members. The program has been so successful and popular with the hundreds of productions that have participated, and thousands of adventurous theatre lovers, that TDF is now offering “Off-Off@$9” to the general public.

“Off-Off@$9” provides theatregoers with instant access to the exciting world of off-Off Broadway theatre at less than the cost of a movie admission! Now, more than ever, theatre lovers can explore the smaller stages, beyond Broadway and Off Broadway, where innovative artists are creating new and adventurous works, with all tickets for only $9 (with a $1 service charge per ticket). To sign up for “Off-Off@$9” go to www.tdf.org.

Since launching “Off-Off@$9” three years ago as a service espressly for TDF members, the program has been responsible for over 110,000 admissions to hundreds of small productions around the city, including Fringe NYC productions, and has returned nearly $1,000,000 in revenue to these productions.

The feedback from the off-Off Broadway productions we have served, as well as our TDF members for “Off-Off@$9” has been extraordinary,” said Victoria Bailey, TDF’s executive director. “Off-Off Broadway productions have virtually no marketing budgets and thus have no way other than word of mouth to promote their shows.  This expansion should help these producers reach a large pool of potential ticket buyers at no cost to them while also allowing increased numbers of theatregoers discover Off-Off Broadway.”

 “We’re extremely grateful to TDF for opening this program to the public,” said Virginia Louloudes, executive director of the Alliance of Resident Theatres/New York (A. R.T./New York).  “In a crowded theatre market, Off-Off Broadway companies struggle to gain visibility and develop new audiences.  A program like this helps create positive word of mouth – the number one reason people cite for attending an Off-Off Broadway show.”

“At FringeNYC we enjoy a huge level of participation from TDF’s ‘Off-Off @ $9’ program, and most of these patrons were first-time FringeNYC-goers!” said Elena Holy, Producing Artistic Director of Fringe NYC.

“Our mission is to make high quality, affordable performance for the general public,” said Cara Francis, ensemble member of the New York Neo-Futurists. “TDF’s Off-Off @$9 Program has been an incredible vehicle to help us reach new audiences.”

THEATRE DEVELOPMENT FUND, a not-for-profit service organization for the performing arts, was created in the conviction that the live theatrical arts afford a unique expression of the human condition that must be sustained and nurtured. It is dedicated to developing diverse audiences for live theatre and dance, and strengthening the performing arts community in New York City. Since 1968, TDF’s programs have provided over 85 million people with access to performances at affordable prices and have returned over $2.2 billion to thousands of productions. Best known for its TKTS Discount Booths, TDF’s membership, outreach, access (including its newly formed Autism Theatre Initiative) and education programs — as well as its Costume Collection — have introduced thousands of people to the theatre and helped make the unique experience of theatre available to everyone, including students and people with disabilities. Recent TDF honors include a 2011 Mayor’s Award for Arts and Culture, a 2012 Tony Honor for Excellence for its Open Doors Arts Education Program, a 2012 New York Innovative Theatre Award for its support of the off-Off Broadway community and a 2013 Lucille Lortel honor for “Outstanding Body of Work” in support of the Off Broadway community. For more information go to: www.tdf.org.