TDF Gets $88,000 Grant to Fund Veterans Theatregoing Program

TDF Gets $88,000 Grant to Fund Veterans Theatregoing Program

The not-for-profit’s program allows veterans and their families to attend Broadway shows for free through partnerships with NYC veterans’ organizations.

The 2024-2025 season of TDF’s Veterans Theatregoing Program will be supported via $88,000 of funding from the New York City Council and Robert F. Holden, Chair of the Committee on Veterans.

The not-for-profit’s program allows veterans and their families to attend Broadway shows for free via partnerships with NYC veterans’ organizations. Post-performance talkbacks are frequently offered, and participating veterans also receive complimentary TDF memberships to purchase future tickets at a reduced cost. 

This year, 13 Broadway shows have committed to providing low-cost tickets to TDF for distribution to the veterans group at no cost to the organizations or participants. Program participants will see Water for Elephants, Stereophonic, Hell’s Kitchen, The Roommate, Back to the Future: The Musical, Death Becomes Her, The Notebook, A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical, MJ The Musical, Wicked, Hamilton, Aladdin, and The Lion King.

“TDF’s Veterans Theatregoing Program has given me incredible opportunities to see brilliant Broadway shows at no cost,” veteran Neath Williams said in a statement. “As a veteran who loves theatre but often finds ticket prices a barrier, this program brings me immense joy by making world-class performances accessible. The added bonus of talkbacks with the actors after the show takes the experience to the next level and makes me feel like a VIP.” 

“TDF’s Veterans Theatregoing Program gives veterans an opportunity to reconnect with their community in a way that many of them are unfamiliar with or think is unattainable, added Lydia Cotter, Recreation Therapist at VA NY Harbor Healthcare System. “The fact that we can attend a Broadway show as a group, with the veterans’ loved ones, makes it a great first step in getting back out there. Thanks to this partnership, I hear from veterans that use their free TDF memberships to attend additional events independently. I continue to be grateful for the TDF Veterans Theatregoing Program and the opportunities they generously provide for our veteran heroes.”

The TDF Veterans Theatregoing Program program was founded in 2017 with support from the New York City Council. 

Visit TDF.org for more information.