Theatre-going for free

I read from "The Cheap Bastard's Guide to New York City" that you can watch some Broadway and most off-Broadway shows for free by volunteer ushering. I always said that if I was independently wealthy and didn't have to work for a living, my dream job would be a theatre usher.(I have very simple dreams.) Every theatre has its own protocol but basically it involves calling or emailing the theatre, asking if they use volunteer ushers then making a reservation 1-2 weeks in advance. Make sure you ask what to wear (usually a white shirt and black pants). Show up an hour before the curtain rises so the house manager can go over the seating plan. Then you take tickets and show the audience members to their seats. Being able to count would be a plus. If there are no seats available for you during the show, they will set up chairs or rarely, ask you to sit in the aisles. You may need to stay after the performance to pick up playbills. Some theatres will even let you reserve more than one slot so you can bring a friend or a date:) One more reason to love New York.