After seeing much success with its iPhone application, The Theatre Development Fund has released a version of its TKTS app for Android-enabled devices to increase its reach.

The Theatre Development Fund has three booths in New York City’s Times Square, South Street Seaport and Downtown Brooklyn, selling tickets for Broadway and Off-Broadway dance and music productions. The application lets users know in real-time what shows are available at the TKTS Discount Booths.

“Until now, the only way theatre-lovers who use the TKTS Discount Booths knew what shows were on sale was by going to any of the three locations,” said David LeShay, director of communications for the Theatre Development Fund, New York.

“By having a real-time connection to the TKTS boards on their mobile device, they can create a wish list of their choices of shows they’d like to see before they get to the booth locations,” he said.

People waiting in line can also benefit from the TKTS app, by exploring available shows with links to their Web sites and information to help users decide which show they would like to see before reaching the front of the line.
In addition to the show descriptions, the app features schedules, theatre locations and accessibility information.

Mobile for nonprofits
Without the help of a large budget, the Theatre Development Fund relied on traditional press and social media to spread word of the app’s release.

“We found that when we released The Official TKTS iPhone app, it became one of the most popular NYC theatre apps practically overnight,” Mr. LeShay said.

A large push on Theatre Development Fund’s Facebook page and a surge in its Twitter followers (@TDFnyc and @TKTS) encouraged uptake of the app.

Users can view the show schedule

Users can view information on current show

“Additionally, we have Patron Service Reps at the main TKTS Booth in Times Square informing people online that if they have an iPhone or Android Device, they can download the app to help them make their show choices,” Mr. LeShay said. 

The small print
Users will not be able to purchase discount tickets through the TKTS app. For shows that are not available at the booths, or to purchase full-priced tickets, the app links to Ticketmaster or Telecharge mobile-optimized sites.

Discount tickets must still be purchased at the TKTS booths.

The Official TKTS Android app is available as a free download until May 15, and The Official TKTS iPhone app is still free of charge until March 1, after which downloads will cost $0.99.

“With the percentage of the public that gets their information through their mobile devices increasing annually, we found that having the TKTS app was an effective way to provide information to people going to see a Broadway or Off-Broadway play through tickets purchased at TKTS,” Mr. LeShay said.