Why I Became a Club Member
What Club Members Have to Say...
"Regarding my balcony club membership, I must say it has been a positive
experience that has contributed to my high esteem of the Tavern and the
ASC. Artistic, entertainment, and financial variables led to my decision
to join the Balcony Club.
Firstly, I absolutely loved every performance that I saw at the Tavern.
During last summer I even attended the Glass Menagerie three times (with
different company each time, all of whom shared my enjoyment) and
Midsummer Night's Dream twice! The quality of the actors' performances
and interaction with the audience--even the balcony audience!--impressed
me. There was something new and fresh each evening because of the
organic, natural, comfortable, professional way the artistic team filled
each role--from the actors to the lighting designers to the directors to
the costumers. The Tavern is not made up of theater snobs who force an
interpretation of the text. I have been to theaters in London whose
experimental flavor I enjoyed; but it is important to me to know that each
night I go to the Tavern I can take any of my friends and expect that we
can engage with the artists and the text.
Secondly, the quality of the performances far outstripped the quality of
many evening entertainments of comparable price. Few movie theaters or
shopping malls could offer as much laughter, conversation, and good food
for the same investment. (It is only fifty cents more for me to buy a
balcony ticket at the Tavern on a Sunday night rather than a movie ticket
at the mall near my home.) The entire process--driving into Atlanta,
finding the Tavern, parking, getting food, finding a seat, etc.--was
simple and approachable as well.
Thirdly, I appreciated the Tavern's willingness to offer student
discounts, Thursday/Sunday discounts, and various payment plans that could
accommodate a small budget. Some theaters with whom I have interacted
abuse the common misconception that quality theater is a hobby for only
the people that have money to throw away on a "night on the town."
Rather, the Tavern seems committed to the idea that quality theater should
be available to everybody. And because of that, they have received more
of my money than any other theater.
Wanting to see each play, having the means to meet their reasonable
prices, and being glad the ASC received money from me each play regardless
of whether or not I could attend that month—all this contributed to my
decision to join the Balcony Club.
Since then, I have thoroughly enjoyed my membership. Ticket vouchers
arrive promptly, I never have trouble redeeming them at the box office,
and the promotional materials (i.e. letters, flyers, etc.) that I receive
are always informative, never excessive. I look forward to seeing The
Taming of the Shrew when my school schedule relaxes enough to permit me a
free evening!
Sincerely,
Jessica Reis"
"Why get a membership? The 10 best reasons I can think of are:
10: Snob appeal: While others in the office are talking about ‘Saw 4’ you claim ignorance because you were watching “Macbeth’ live on stage.
9: Getting to explain to your date that Shakespeare was the Quentin Tarantino of his day (after seeing Macbeth, Titus and Hamlet)
8: Drinking Guinness while watching Shakespeare live on the stage.
7: After the second pitcher of Guinness reflecting on the superiority of Irish culture to England and Scotland’s royal houses.
6: A really impressive flyer with matching magnet to hang on the fridge. (It’s a good thing!)
5: 2 words: Tax Deduction!
4: A lapel button that says I’m a person of taste and discretion despite the 2 pitchers of Guinness.
3: Free coffee with the lapel button so that after the Shakespeare Tavern and the Guinness you’re sill awake for Letterman!
2: NO CELLPHONE for 3 hours!
And the number one reason for my membership…
1: I can discuss murder, transgender issues, greed, homicidal ambition, loose women, suicide and beer and still be thought cultured!
Best Regards,
Richard Kenealy"
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