​Choice Ticketing is excited and extremely proud to share the following announcement from our parent company, the Shubert Organization. Mr. Wankel continues to be an inspiration to all of us and we are proud to be a part of the Shubert team!

The Tony Awards® Administration Committee announced on May 2, 2022 that Robert E. Wankel will receive the 2022 Isabelle Stevenson Tony Award.

The Isabelle Stevenson Award is presented annually to a member of the theatre community who has made a substantial contribution of volunteered time and effort on behalf of one or more humanitarian, social service or charitable organizations. Mr. Wankel is being recognized for his outstanding dedication, commitment and leadership in supporting multiple organizations, including The Actors Fund; Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS; and American Academy of the Dramatic Arts and many others.

“Bob’s outstanding contributions and dedication to the theatre is remarkable,” said Charlotte St. Martin, President of The Broadway League and Heather Hitchens President and CEO of the American Theatre Wing. “His generosity and service to the welfare of our Broadway community, over the past 4 decades; and especially in the face of a global crisis, is immeasurable. We are honored to present the 2022 Isabelle Stevenson Award to Bob.”

Mr. Wankel plays a leading role in numerous charitable, community and civic organizations. He is Board Chair of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts for the past 39 years, as well as an Officer and Director of The Actors Studio. He is President of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Chair of the Board of The Actors Fund Housing Development Corporation, and a member of The Actors Fund Chairman’s Council. He serves on the Board of Governors and Executive Committee of the Broadway League, and is a member of the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors of the Times Square Alliance.  As the Chair and Chief Executive Officer of the Shubert Organization, Mr. Wankel also serves as the Chair of The Shubert Foundation, the nation’s largest arts funder dedicated to unrestricted support of not-for-profit theatres and dance companies throughout the United States. Over the past two years, Mr. Wankel worked closely with both State and City Government and played a central role ensuring that Broadway’s return was successful. His work on the SVOG bill that that helped entertainment organizations was significant.

​The 75th Annual Tony Awards will take place live from Radio City Music Hall, on Sunday, June 12th, in a four-hour television and streaming event, and will broadcast live coast to coast for the first time. The celebration will commence at 7:00 – 8:00 PM, ET/4:00 – 5:00 PM, PT with exclusive content streaming only on Paramount+, followed by the presentation of the American Theatre Wing’s 75th Annual Tony Awards from 8:00-11:00 PM, LIVE ET/5:00 – 8:00 PM, LIVE PT on the CBS Television Network, and streaming live and on demand on Paramount+.

But Marketing wants to know whether their campaigns are worth the money they are spending on them. They want to track what is driving sales to your website, so they can do more of that. Have some pity on your marketing department. Not only do they have to be creative geniuses, coming up with eye catching campaigns to sell tickets and memberships and to grab those more and more elusive donations, but now they have to be programmers and analytics experts as well, undaunted by the ins and outs of pixels and tags and how to track data as it flows across the wild west of the internet. Lions and Tigers and Bears! Oh My!
Choice Ticketing has supported an integration with Google Tag Manager for years now. But it's only recently we came to understand why many clients were not taking advantage of it. 
First of all, you need a Google Tag Manager account. That's not that difficult. Understanding how to use it, once you have it - well, that's a bit more complicated. There are companies that specialize in this. That's all they do. Your own personal mileage may vary.
Second, you need to connect your GTM account to your Choice account. That's not hard, either. If you don't know how, just call our live Support line, and someone will pick up the phone (yes, we still do that!) and help you.
Third - well now it gets complicated. Figuring out how to manipulate tags that track data across systems takes some know how. But don't lose heart!
If you find that you are getting stuck right there - with tracing the data you want to know about across systems, for example, from your Facebook ad all the way through the Choice Cart - don't feel alone. It can be done! And if you can't figure out how, we will offer you some time with our own data analytics consultants, ON US. If you are a current Choice client, and you are trying and failing to get your analytics off the ground, call our Support Line and ask to speak with me. I'll set up a meeting with the experts, on my own dime, for some consulting time to help you out. So quit being afraid of the lions, tigers, bears and possibly the velociraptors of GTM and Google Analytics.  Clever you! Together, we've got this. 

Best,

​Mary Ann

I was privileged recently to listen in on a Broadway discussion about Covid. Dr. Brian Koll, an infectious disease specialist and the Broadway League’s official epidemiologist, presented information on CDC guidelines, testing protocols, how to mitigate your risk, what to do if you get sick, and insights on the virus’s continuing effect on the world. Other high-level presenters discussed the specific effect on Broadway shows and how Broadway was coping with it all.
 
Overview of discussion:
We learned that in a three-week period more than 50 Broadway performances had been cancelled due to sickness amongst show personnel. Attendance at shows was virtually cut in half between the week ending Dec 12 and Dec 26. Several shows were forced to close.
 
But Broadway has no intention of shutting down. Even as we speak, wraps are going back to positive territory and there are lots of new shows opening in March and April 2022, including what I think will be a very special show, Larry Kirwan's Paradise Square, "a galvanizing story of racial harmony undone by a country at war with itself" which opens at the Barrymore Theatre on March 15. 
 
The good thing that we are seeing is that consumers still want to come and see shows! Live theater will survive Covid!
 
Dr Koll noted that it’s been a challenging few years…recommendations from health authorities are changing as more knowledge is gained, but the change rather than assuring people that we are learning from science, makes people anxious. When we have the job of enforcing these guidelines, it can make us anxious too!
 
Why did the Omicron variant spread so quickly? Because of so many mutations on its spike proteins. These made it very easy to travel, reproduce and infect people. It’s somewhere between chicken pox and measles as far as contagion potential. Thankfully Omicron doesn’t produce as severe a disease as Delta and prior versions. This version doesn’t seem to attack the lungs in the same way, rather it prefers to infect throats noses and airways with more of a bronchitis type picture than a pneumonia. It’s more treatable at home than other versions were. That’s not to call it mild. Just less deadly.
 
When will it peak? Between Jan 18 and Feb 3. After that should begin to decrease, possibly quite rapidly. (This discussion took place in early January so it's nice to see these predictions holding true!)
 
Current recommendations: your mask should be multilayered and tight fitting. No more bandanas. CDC is recommending that everyone where possible stick to a K95 mask.
 
As far as your own health goes, you can come back to work 5 days after no symptoms and a negative test. If you are not able to get tested, then the time to stay home is 10 days after symptoms.
 
Summary:
We think the worst of Omicron is past. People are still anxious to attend live theatre when they feel the precautions will keep them safe. Wraps are already heading back to the positive, and as Omicron recedes, we hope to get a bit of a break and see a more normal spring season without any new variants proving to be more severe. People are getting anxious for their normal lives to resume and that includes attending live theatre!
 
What are you seeing in your venues? Is the same pattern we are seeing on Broadway holding true in your area? In spite of current cancellations,  are you successfully booking new shows for the spring season? What are your biggest challenges right now? Are they different from what they were a few months ago? How are you holding up and what are you doing to help your staff avoid burnout? How are YOU taking care of YOURSELF?

Stay healthy everyone!
 
Best,
 
Mary Ann O’Rourke
VP of Operations
Choice Ticketing
Check out our online referral program! 
https://www.choiceticketing.com/online-referral-program.html
 

Applications for the Colorado Arts Relief Grant are being accepted beginning August 23, 22021. 

There are two different grants being offered - one for businesses/organizations and one for individual artists. You can only apply for one, so review the guidelines carefully.

Eligible organizations include, but aren't limited to:

• Independent music venues
• non profit and for profit community theaters
• galleries
• art museums
• performing arts venues
• production companies
• radio stations

Individuals need to be over 18 and Colorado residents, among other requirements. No checks will be mailed out of state.

​More details can be found here 

​We all know WHAT Broadway is doing in response to COVID. It’s been the source of numerous press releases, tweets and other social posts. But practically speaking, HOW are they doing it? How can you possibly check the credentials of every person in your line without backing the line up from here until tomorrow? I interviewed David Andrews, Senior Vice President of Shubert Ticketing (a division of the Shubert Organization) to find out what he knew.
 
As a quick recap of recent news,  the Broadway League (the National Trade Association for the Broadway Theatre Industry) published a press release on July 30 that was agreed to by the owners and operators of all 41 Broadway theaters in New York City. Mr. Andrews was able to clarify for me how these requirements will play out.
 
1.     Proof of vaccination is required for all audience members, as well as performers, backstage crew and theatre staff, for all performances through October 2021.

• Under the policy, guests will need to be fully vaccinated with an FDA or WHO authorized vaccine in order to attend a show and must show proof of vaccination at their time of entry into the theatre with their valid ticket.
• “Fully vaccinated” means the performance date must be at least 14 days after the second dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine, or at least 14 days after a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine.
• Venues will be stationing “COVID officers” at the outside entry to the theater. Their job will be to check vaccine credentials.  NY’s Excelsior Pass might make this a bit easier than looking at actual vaccine paperwork, but they are prepared to verify that as well. Patrons will be required to present a government issued photo ID in addition to their vaccine credentials.
• For performances in November 2021 and beyond, theatre owners anticipate a review of policies in September which may include a relaxation of certain provisions if the science dictates.

 
2.Masks will be required for all patrons inside the theater, regardless of vaccine status, except while eating or drinking in designated locations.

• This one is simple, and there are no exceptions.
• Masks must be fitted properly and worn according to the CDC guidelines.

 
3.     Exceptions to the vaccine requirement are made for children under 12 and for people who for medical reasons or due to closely held religious beliefs are unable to be vaccinated.

• ID is requested for children under 12, but if not available, the parent or guardian accompanying the child will be allowed to vouch for their age and identity.
• All non-vaccinated guests, including children, must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of the performance start time, or a negative COVID-19 antigen test taken within 6 hours of the performance start time.
• Those who cannot provide proof of vaccination or the proof of a negative test will be directed to nearby vendors (when available)  who offer the COVID-19 antigen test free of charge. An inability or unwillingness to provide proof of vaccination or proof of a recent negative Covid-19 test will result in ticket holders being directed to a special Box Office line where they can exchange their seats for a future performance or request a refund. If a patron already knows they will not be able to meet entry requirements, it would be wise for them to notify the Box Office at least 2 hours before the performance.

 
4.A uniform policy across all New York City Broadway theatres makes it simple for our audiences and should give even more confidence to our guests about how seriously Broadway is taking audience safety. Simple and generous return or exchange policies give patrons the confidence to buy their tickets in advance rather than waiting until the last minute and give them the ability to STAY HOME if they are feeling sick without fear of losing their money. Keep looking for ways to help your patrons feel safe!
5.Additionally,  Covid disclosures and requirements must be agreed to before tickets can be purchased.  Ample messaging is available on both ticketing and venue websites.
 
 
I’d like to thank Mr. Andrews for the generous gift of his time as we talked through these scenarios. For those of you in smaller venues, or not part of the Broadway scene, I hope this information will shed some light or give you some ideas about how to make your venues safe for your Patrons, staff and talent during these tumultuous times. All parties involved need to understand that their safety and well-being is our number one concern if live theatre is to be able to stay open through the next wave of the pandemic.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Building community during a pandemic becomes a passion.....as reported by Rocky Mountain PBS.

A Little Library in the Forest

PR link here
​NEW YORK, NY (PRWEB) NOVEMBER 05, 2015
Shubert Ticketing announces today the acquisition of Choice Ticketing Systems, an innovative, fast-growing company based in Boulder, Colorado.
“Choice Ticketing Systems has emerged as a significant player in the industry,” stated David Andrews, Senior Vice President of Shubert Ticketing. “We are thrilled to have them onboard. The potential innovations we can quickly achieve by merging our technologies are very exciting.”
Shubert Ticketing is a leading provider of high speed, transaction based ticketing services for entertainment venues across the country. The combination of ChoiceCRM with Shubert Ticketing’s advanced integrated platforms and partners — Telecharge, FIT Sales, Plum Benefits/Tickets at Work, and Audience Rewards — will create a comprehensive ticketing solution meeting the needs of multiple entertainment verticals and venues.
Doug Crothers, founder and past president of Choice Ticketing Systems said “With 25 years of service to performing arts nationwide, it’s gratifying and an honor that Shubert has chosen us to join forces to expand market reach and integrate Choice’s key technologies into the Shubert STAR system.”
The integration of Shubert and Choice technologies will accelerate advancements in customer relationship management, increase customized platform options for season subscription operations and offer comprehensive fundraising tools. An added benefit is the capability to leverage geographical location to service niche marketplaces.
Robert Sandford, CEO of Choice Ticketing stated, “Working directly with David Andrews and Shubert’s key strategists is a great match for us. Together we will expand nationally into adjacent verticals and raise the bar in the creation of greater patron relationship platforms.”
Shubert Ticketing’s annual Interactive Summit draws ticketing industry leaders and major ticketing clients from around the country to New York City’s New World Stages. This year’s well-attended October 27th event was a dynamic presentation of comprehensive overviews of the state of the industry, featuring panel discussions with representatives from prominent digital players including Google, Yelp!, Facebook, Twitter and others. Shubert Ticketing welcomes greater numbers of attendees every year at this business and networking event, which showcases Shubert’s Annual New Product Rollout.
About Shubert Ticketing:
Shubert Ticketing is a leading provider of ticketing services nationwide. At the forefront of the ticketing industry, Shubert Ticketing delivers innovative solutions for private label clients and users of its box office services, call center, and an array of marketing technologies. Drawing upon over 100 years of experience in live entertainment and venue management, Shubert Ticketing provides users of its ticketing systems with unrivaled flexibility and client support. http://www.shubertticketing.com
About Choice Ticketing:
Choice Ticketing Systems was founded in 1990 and has been a leader in providing innovative solutions, in particular to performing arts organizations. Choice Ticketing’s flagship product, ChoiceCRM, is a cloud based CRM, offering advanced technology capabilities for box office, fundraising, marketing and ticketing operations.
http://www.choiceticketing.com
Contacts:
Bill Evans
Director of Media Relations
The Shubert Organization
225 West 44th Street
New York, NY 10036
212-944-3780
bille(at)shubertorg.com
Brian Roberts, Sales
Senior Vice-President, Corporate Development & Strategy
broberts(at)choiceticketing.com
West Coast Office: (714)316-0567
Cell: (714)269-9740

As part of their “We are YOUR Choice” initiative, ticketing company implements NFC payment methods, including Apple Pay and Google Pay, to provide customers with touchless ways to pay during COVID-19 and beyond.


GOLDEN, COLORADO, October 7, 2020 -- Choice Entertainment Technologies today announced the launch of a contactless payments initiative for our clients using Bluefin, allowing customers to use their mobile device for a more seamless checkout experience. The implementation includes the acceptance of Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, mobile banking apps and contactless chip cards, enabled by near-field communication (NFC) technology.
"Choice is truly delighted to be able to offer contactless payments, providing the customers of our clients with an additional, touchless way to pay for their event tickets," said Mary Ann O’Rourke, Vice President of Operations at Choice. "The contactless payment solution will help make life easier for many of our customers and provide the freedom of choice among various payment options at our clients’ box office locations. In this time of COVID-19 we want to provide a way for customers to interact safely at the Box Office and feel that our partnership with Bluefin will help provide both customers and box office personnel a new measure of safety."
Choice’s technology team recently enabled touchless transactions at all box office locations that use Bluefin. The NFC technology eliminates physical contact by using a radio frequency field to transmit data between a mobile device or contactless chip card and PIN pad. When customers place their mobile device or contactless chip card near the PIN pad, payment data is transmitted from the device or card to the terminal to process the transaction. There is no need to clean credit cards or the terminal in between transactions.
"At Choice our goal is to continue to invest in the kind of innovative technologies that advance the customer experience. Today, we see this with our payment systems," said Brian Roberts, Choice’s Senior Vice President of Corporate Development and Strategy. "This new move shows our commitment to not only personalizing the ticket buying experience for each customer, but also for reacting quickly to the times we find ourselves in and implementing new strategies to ensure the safety of all involved in the ticket buying experience. We want to make it clear that even when faced with a pandemic of these proportions, we are YOUR Choice for now and the future.”
This “We are YOUR Choice” initiative supports the many software and process changes Choice has implemented since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic to promote social distancing and safeguard associates, customers and communities. Other solutions implemented by Choice include:

• Ticketing services for event streaming, including unique access codes that help gate entry to your event and prevent sharing of admission purchased
• Seating charts that help venues display social distancing guidelines
• Terms and Conditions checkbox that help communicate required safety guidelines to customers
• Simplified, One Step ticket refunds

About Choice Entertainment Technologies
ChoiceCRM provides an all-inclusive ticketing, marketing, and fundraising solution built on the backbone of strong customer relationship management software. Our customer relationship management software allows you to create and define an ongoing relationship with your customers, while keeping all your system information together in one easy to access location.
In October of 2015, ChoiceCRM was acquired by Shubert Ticketing, a division of The Shubert Organization, Broadway’s largest theatre owner and operator, with additional venues in Boston and Philadelphia, and one of the leading forces in American theatre over 100 years. Drawing upon its vast experience as a Broadway theatre owner and producer, Shubert Ticketing delivers innovative solutions for both private label clients and users of our Telecharge box office, call center, and online services.  
The integration of Shubert and Choice technologies accelerates advancements in customer relationship management, increases customized platform options for season subscription operations and offers comprehensive fundraising tools. An added benefit is the capability to leverage geographical location to service niche marketplaces. Both Shubert Ticketing and ChoiceCRM are committed to offering the best ticketing system available with unlimited support, training, and educational resources at your fingertips. For more information, visit https://choiceticketing.com/ or email maryanno@shubertorg.com.
About Bluefin
Bluefin specializes in payment and data security technologies that protect point-of-sale (POS) and online transactions. Our security suite includes PCI-validated point-to-point encryption (P2PE) for contactless face-to-face, call center, mobile and unattended payments, and our ShieldConex® data security platform for the protection of personally Identifiable Information (PII), Personal Health Information (PHI), and payment data entered online.
Bluefin provides both integrated and stand-alone solutions for retail, higher education, healthcare and more, and our partner network includes 130 processors, gateways and ISV’s serving 32 countries, with over 100 P2PE devices/applications and 14 KIFs. Bluefin holds 25 patents in the U.S., EU and Japan on our P2PE Decryption as a Service (DaaS) and P2PE Manager solutions, with an additional 15 payment and data security patents pending. Bluefin is a Participating Organization (PO) of the PCI Security Standards Council (SSC) and is headquartered in Atlanta, with an office in Waterford, Ireland. For more information, visit https://www.bluefin.com/