As a self-proclaimed theatre addict, Brian Stoll spends his free time either seeing a Broadway show or sharing his love for Broadway with others. This past Thursday, Stoll gave a presentation at the Bay Shore-Brightwaters Public Library about the history of the Playbill. He shared tips and tricks for snagging cheap (and even complimentary) Broadway tickets.

To begin the presentation, Stoll introduced himself and talked about how his love for theatre came to fruition while studying at SUNY Binghamton. Since then, he has seen 275 Broadway shows, all for $60 or less.

Upon entering, everyone received a sheet of paper listing nine ways to get discounted or complimentary tickets for various Broadway shows. Stoll showed attendees how to access each ticket website and shared his own experiences.

One of the most well-known ways to get ticket deals is to visit TKTS booths located at Times Square and Lincoln Center. However, nowadays, there are a variety of ways to purchase discounted tickets in the comfort of one’s own home. Stoll showed websites such as BroadwayRoulette.com, AuidenceRewards.com, Playbill.com, and more, which offer discounted tickets. Additionally, websites such as HiptixGold, LinTix, Manhattan Theatre Club, and 2nd Stage provide discounted tickets for young adults.

What’s better than discounted tickets? Complimentary tickets. Stoll shared ways to grab free tickets both online and in person. A few ways to get complimentary tickets include going through websites like Play-by-Play and Surveying for the Broadway League. Volunteering to be an usher through the Manhattan Theatre Club or 2nd Stage also allows you to see a Broadway show for free.

The Playbill is unarguably a significant part of theatre culture. Stoll brought one of his 18 binders filled with Playbills and shared both the history and importance of the iconic programs.

The first Playbill was a one-page sheet issued in 1884 for the Madison Square Theatre production of “May Blossoms,” starring Dr. Wolf Hopper. Since then, it has constituted a central point of communication between the theatre and the public. Playbills formed what is considered to be a crucial link between the public and the socio-aesthetic practices of theatre. They are the primary documents for theatre historians.

Stoll shared testimonies from individuals who collect Playbills.

One individual stated, “Looking at them evokes good memories, and with the number of shows I’m seeing now, it can be difficult to hold on to those memories in another way… For some reason, having something tangible makes it easier to find those memories in my mind.”

Another testimonial came from an individual who lives in France. They shared, “I live in France, so I don’t have access to theatre. So, having memorabilia from shows I’ve missed but really wished I could’ve seen makes me feel like I have something to connect with that production. Somehow, it’s a great comfort.”

Toward the end of his presentation, Stoll showed videos demonstrating how Playbills are put together.

To follow Stoll’s theatre adventures or learn when he is hosting presentations, visit StollTheShowNY on Instagram and StollTheShow on Facebook.