2020-2021 Season FAQs
Everything is new and I’m overwhelmed! HELP!
Having trouble navigating the new Frequent Crier Program Passports and single Event Passes? We’ve got you covered. Give us a call at 617-553-4887 or send us an email for assistance at boxoffice@afarcry.org.
What’s the difference between a subscription and a Frequent Crier Passport?
A traditional subscription model includes pre-packaged events grouped into series that you purchase in advance (3 concerts, 5 concerts, the full season, etc). With the many unknowns we are facing this year, we decided to move away from pre-paid packages, and shift instead to a model that provides audience members with greater flexibility.
All Frequent Crier Passports give you access to the full season of events, including our unreleased Spring 2021 programs (to be announced later this Fall). Passports allow you the flexibility to pick and choose what you want to attend. And, the Frequent Crier Program provides Passport holders with additional benefits above and beyond what they would receive with a typical subscription purchase, including “backstage” looks and additional exclusive events that aim to bring us all closer during a time when we are physically apart.
Most importantly, the Frequent Crier Program aims to help us stay even better connected, build community, and sustain the future of democratically-made music at A Far Cry.
I logged into my Patron Portal and I don’t see the Event Passes that are supposed to be included with my Frequent Crier Passport. Where are they?!
While the cost of your Event Passes is built into your Passport, you still need to reserve these free event Passes via your Patron Portal. Simply log into your Portal, select the events you are interested in, and add the Event Passes associated with your Passport level (i.e. if you are a Standard Passport holder, you are entitled to free Debut passes for all season events, and so on). Add these passes to your cart and they will cost $0 - complete the “checkout” process and you’re done! You will receive a confirmation email with your unique link(s) to view the event(s). If you want to purchase additional Passes at a discount as outlined in your Passport’s benefits, simply follow the same process and your associated discount will be applied at checkout.
What’s the difference between a traditional concert ticket and an Event Pass?
Live Watch Parties are the virtual equivalent of your in-person concert experience: your Event Pass gives you access to view the online event while chatting with fans and Criers in real time. Then, after the event, you ALSO get access to Video On Demand for the duration of your Event Pass.
How do I purchase my Event Pass and how does it work?
Starting on September 24, all Event Passes for 2020-21 Season online events will officially go on sale.
At that point, select online events from the list of upcoming 2020-2021 Season performances on our calendar of events. Add as many as you’d like to your cart and then choose your preferred Event Pass type (Debut or 30-Day) for each to get your fill of A Far Cry! *Infinity Passes are for Frequent Criers only!
After checkout, you will receive a confirmation email with Video On Demand links for each of your purchased events. Closer to each event, you will receive an additional email that includes your link to the live Watch Party!
On the day of an event, click the corresponding Watch Party link to enjoy the live broadcast premiere. After the event, access the performance as many times as you’d like for the duration of your Event Pass using the Video On Demand link. Don’t worry - we’ll send you a reminder email with your links in advance of the live event too.
1. Review the benefits of the Frequent Crier Passport levels outlined in this chart, and click the “Purchase Your Passport” button. You’ll be taken to a new page where you can select your preferred Passport level and payment frequency. Check out to make your purchase and that’s it! You’re now officially a Frequent Crier!
2. Then, on September 24, you will receive an email with instructions for how to access and set up your new Patron Portal.
3. A Far Cry’s fall events go on sale on September 24th. Once you’ve logged into your Patron Portal, shop and add Event Passes for 2020-21 Season online events, A Far Cry merchandise, and other exciting offerings. Add these to your cart and at checkout, all of your Frequent Crier benefits will automatically be applied (for example, the Event Passes that are built into your Passport as a benefit will cost $0, additional Event Passes will be discounted 50%, and any Crier Records you purchase will be discounted by 20%).
4. Check out to pay for the items in your cart. Once you enter your Credit Card information, you can also save it to your Patron Portal for easy checkout with future purchases.
5. After checkout, you will receive a confirmation email with Video On Demand links for each of your purchased events. Closer to each event, you will receive an additional email that includes your link to the live Watch Party! You will also receive notifications and confirmations for any Frequent Crier-exclusive opportunities.
6. On the day of an event, click the corresponding Watch Party link to enjoy the livestream broadcast premiere. After the event, use the corresponding Video On Demand link to watch the performance as many times as you’d like until your Event Pass expires. Don’t worry - we’ll send you a reminder email with both links directly in advance of the live event too.
How do I purchase my Frequent Crier Passport and how does it work?
What can I expect from an A Far Cry online event?
A Far Cry online events will include a musical program captured and/or live streamed in a high quality audio/video format (see our Concert Calendar of Events for program details), plus a combination of the following extra-musical activities and features:
Backstage access for live conversation and programmatic deep dives with the artists
Behind the scenes features with guest artist collaborators
Post-concert Zoom receptions with the Criers,
Other extra-musical content TBD
During production weeks as well as during non-concert weeks, fans will also have access to live stream open rehearsals, solo/duo recitals, and other creative content dreamed up by the Criers.
A Watch Party is a way for people to watch online videos (both live-stream and pre-recorded) together in real time. Once a Watch Party is started, participants can view together from their respective devices and interact with one another via chat features in real time. A Far Cry online events in the 2020-2021 season will each be broadcast as a Watch Party premiere so that fans and Criers can engage and comment about what’s happening on screen. Following the Watch Party, online concerts will be available to the viewer on Video On Demand.
What is a Watch Party and how does it work?
Video On Demand is an online streaming service that allows users to watch and listen to performances over the internet. Each Event Pass grants users access to a designated “rental period” during which they can continuously stream their purchased online event. This is a fantastic new feature so that you can always get your fill of A Far Cry: watch and listen to your favorite moments again and again on repeat!
What is Video On Demand and how does it work?
Event Passes allow you to enjoy the artistry of A Far Cry from anywhere in the world, live or on-demand, on your computer, smartphone, or tablet. You can access these performances on a PC or MAC in the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, or Safari.
Access the performances on your mobile device using the latest version of the Safari or Chrome apps.
Cast the performances to your smart TV from your desktop computer or mobile device using Chromecast or AirPlay, or connect your computer to your TV with an HDMI cable. We do not recommend trying to access the links in a connected/smart TV browser.
Event links will allow you to stream on one device at a time.
Infinity Pass holders will receive a download link of Video On Demand content at the conclusion of the season which may be viewed on any compatible device.
Can I access my livestream Watch Party or Video On Demand from anywhere on any device?
Headphones or external speakers may deliver a better sonic experience than phone, tablet, or computer speakers
An ethernet cable connection will ensure your livestream won't disconnect
If using WiFi, try not to stream on any other computers connected to your WiFi (family members on Netflix in the other room might interfere with your livestream!)
For computer efficiency, close other applications and browser windows you're not using during the Watch Party
Technical Tips for Viewing and Listening
After the live event, the performance will be available for Video On Demand viewing for the duration of your purchased Event Pass type (Debut Pass: 24 hours; 30-Day Pass: 30 days; or Infinity*: 1 year plus permanent download). The clock starts for your Event Pass’s Video On Demand access after the first time you press “play.” During this time, you can watch the performance as many times as you’d like using the personalized link in your confirmation email or in your Patron Portal*.
*Exclusive Frequent Crier benefit
What happens if I miss the performance?
As opportunities arise, we may open up a limited number of single tickets for purchase as a live studio audience to attend A Far Cry productions during the Fall Series. In-person, live audience event opportunities are not guaranteed and hinge on public safety advisories.
When will you sell tickets for live audience concerts?
While we can’t give you an exact date at this point, we’re planning to announce our Spring concert series this November. In the meantime, we look forward to learning with you this Fall and VERY much appreciate your feedback to help us improve our operations and presentations for each of our upcoming events.
