Sometimes when you have a great idea so does everyone else. That isn’t to say that your idea is bad because it wasn’t original. It is a common thing for humans to think alike on occassion. Have you ever been to Target and found it swarming with people? See, those people thought they should go to Target too. You are part of the pack. Now, you have to wait in long lines or come back another time when the rest of the population isn’t so sensitive to your brainwaves. It’s up to you.
There is a distinct difference between a Target and a theater. Actually, there are several. One of those differences, the one I am referencing, is size or capacity. A Target can hold more people than a store front theater space. This week’s lesson is titled: Sold Out Shows.
So, you’re out for a fun-filled evening and you find yourself standing in front of a theater. You say to your party, “Let’s go see what all this is about.”
You walk in and there is a person (or persons) sitting behind a desk of some sort. That person looks important. He or she looks as if they may be there for the sole purpose of taking your money in exchange for admission to the fabulous show this theater is presenting. You walk up, you swagger, you smile…
“I’d like to get four tickets.”
“Oh, I’m sorry,” person says, “but we are all sold out for this evening’s performance.
Do you…?
A) Say, “I am sorry to hear that, we should have called ahead. Maybe next time.”
B) Curse at the person and tell them they are stupid and it’s not your fault you got there five minutes prior to showtime, but rather the CTA’s.
or
C) Beg, plead, bargain, offer sex, and say things like “Can you just squeeze in four more people?”
If you chose B or C, you are so wrong. This is not what you do. See everyone else had the same idea you had. They wanted to see the show too. The difference between you and them is that they got there first. Some of said people may even have booked their tickets a week ago or more. Because, when their neighbor’s daughter’s boyfriend’s uncle became part of an improv troupe that was performing that night, it was very important for them to be certain they had seats. They planned ahead.
It’s not to say walk ups are frowned upon, it’s just that you can’t be guaranteed there will still be tickets available. No amount of money or planning can change that once tickets are gone. Offering to sit on laps will not do. There are these things called “fire codes” which make it impossible for businesses to stack people on top of other people in order to make an extra buck. Not only is that against “fire code” but it is dangerous. Really, really dangerous.
Offering the box office person a crisp twenty or more will not help either. That person would love your money because they need to pay bills and eat and live under a roof. They also probably love beer. Money is great for all of those things, but it still will not get you a ticket to a sold out show. Once the show is sold out, it is out of that person’s hands. You don’t need money or bribery. No. What you would need at that point is Doc Brown, because that dude has a time machine in the form of a Delorean and it is sweet. Nothing can be done in present time about your situation.
So, if it pops into your head that you would like to see a show at Theater X, and you have time, book in advance. If you cannot book ahead, do not get your hopes up. Other people wanted to go to Theater X too, because they are funny, hip, entertaining, and cutting edge. Theater X is popular, and it that popularity comes back to bite you in the behind, please, don’t take it out on that poor box office worker. It is no one’s fault but time’s…or yours. Take it up with Doc Brown or a mirror.
I hope this helps.