<p>So kiddo is planning on doing Unifieds at NYC, and most of the schools she is interested in also do have a dance call during Unifieds. She'd like to audition for 5 schools there. We are both comfortable navigating the city, but I've heard that, unlike the one-stop shopping that is Chicago (and maybe other locations?) the New York Unifieds are at a variety of locations, such as Ailey, Ripley-Grier, etc. Again, it's not a matter of finding the places (love you HopStop!), but figuring out what dates to choose as first choices, and general time needs.</p>
<p>For example, one school that does a dance call offers a Friday slot. She wants to do that for sure. That leaves 2 and 2 for Saturday and Sunday, one of which will not include a dance component, another of which may, if called back. How do you clear your day for a maybe yes/maybe no callback situation? Is it doable, with the need to travel between venues? Where did most of the Unifieds end up being last year(s)? Any advice on how to navigate 3 excitingly hectic days in New York...in the dead of winter (we were there last Feb...we know what winter in NYC feels like...). Also, for those who've done NYC Unifieds, any recommendations on a most-logical hotel? We have some options, but would love to be close enough to the majority of the sites to minimize cross-city running!! Sigh...so far, the schools' websites just say "New York"...</p>
<p>Thanks!! (She does the work...I do logistics...)</p>
<p>Are the NY Unifieds no longer at the AMA building which is at Broadway and 48th? That was a great location, right in the theatre district, and it used to be that all were located right there. Has that changed? If not, the Crowne Plaza, which is in the same building is very convenient. Great rooms, great restaurant, great lounge/bar for winding down in the evenings (also with great views), great service. There are tons of hotels in the vicinity - Renaissance, W, the Edison, Marriott, Hilton. Some schools may also have auditions available that weekend in NYC, but they aren’t a part of Unifieds. Maybe that’s what you’re referring to by the other locations?</p>
<p>You can probably do a search from previous years and find some suggestions. If you’ve been to NYC before you know that hotels can vary greatly. For a weekend full of auditions, you don’t want a small and less than adequate room where noise may be a problem, just something to keep in mind. If you book early and/or have a hotel frequent guest plan, you can probably get a room at one of the nice hotels in the theatre district at much the same price as the crappy ones which proliferate in NYC.</p>
<p>Great questions - I so remember having the exact same concerns last year when my S auditioned at the NY unifieds. He ended up auditioning at 6 schools in 3 days and it all went very smoothly. Here are my tips:</p>
<p>Priceline.com: If you are planning far enough in advance you can “bid” on your hotel room. I’d start bidding low in the theatre district depending on how many “stars” you would like. You can re-bid once every 24 hours in the same criteria, so nothing to loose if you start early enough. We ended up staying at the Novotel - 1 block away from the AMA unified audition space - for more than 3X less than the posted rate (still happy about that one!) Even better that this is “low season” in NY (and we discovered why - so brutally cold that the 1 block felt like a mile!) so a great time to try priceline as the deals are all based on room availability. We have done this all over the US and Canada and never been any less than thrilled with our accomodations. Any questions about this please PM me and I’ll help.</p>
<p>Googlemaps: You can put in multiple addresses when you click “directions”. This will allow you to make a plan for most efficient use of time. Also it tells you driving, bus/subway, and walking directions and estimated time of travel at the click of an icon.</p>
<p>Timing: We booked all of his “unified” auditions on the same days as they are in the same building. Then, did the “south” tour on one day - Pace and NYU. Ripley Grier is only a few blocks south of Times Sq, so easy to get to if you’re central. As alwaysamom said, we picked a weekend that also had auditions for schools that aren’t part of the unifieds.</p>
<p>Broadway shows: If you’re going to try TKTS (and have time), think of going to the Seaport booth near the base of the Brooklyln Bridge. It opens 3 hours earlier than the Times Sq. booth, so first pick of tickets for that day!</p>
<p>Hope that helps!</p>
<p>For you folks doing NYC auditions, in doing Priceline, there is an easier way not widely known, using the ‘permutation system’, in which you can make more than one bid in 24 hours. Google 'permutation system and Priceline" and you will probably get a good description, or PM me and I’ll do my best. You will get the best results when bidding on 3 and 1/2 or 4 star hotels, but will get them LOTS lower still.</p>
<p>Also, looking for cheaper tickets to shows without standing in line at the TDF box, go to “broadway box” or playbill websites, join and check the discounts. You can get tickets for at least 1/3 off.</p>
<p>We are going to Chicago - so glad to have most, except Roosevelt, be in the same place!</p>