How To Be a Seat Filler in the US and London
Do You Want To Be a Seat Filler?
You Don't Have To Live in LA, But It IS Location-Based
By Lu, OTL Seat Fillers & City Guides
Just because you don’t live in Los Angeles doesn’t mean you can’t be a seat filler.
You might be more familiar with those lucky LA people who rub elbows with celebrities at awards shows like the Grammys or Academy Awards. And we’ll give you a link to a great site that focuses on that service. But most of the information in this post is about modern-day seat filling that goes on behind the scenes in cities across the United States and in London.
So, if you're wondering how to be a seat filler in the US or London, you're in the right place!
2 Questions About Seat Fillers
Before we share how you can be a seat filler, we’ll briefly fill you in on what these new types of seat fillers do and why you’ll love being a part of the super secret free tickets VIP movement!
What are seat fillers outside of awards shows?
Seat fillers, like members of OTL Seat Fillers, privately fill seats for all kinds of shows and events across the United States and in London.
If you’ve never heard of them, that’s because it’s all rather hush-hush.
Behind the Scenes
There comes a time when any venue could use a few extra audience members, but they don’t want to publicize it. After all, if everyone knew they could get free tickets, no one would pay for them.
So, seat fillers receive private invitations and get to attend events at all kinds of theaters, comedy clubs, music venues, stadiums, and other local venues. They bring guests and enjoy the show just like everyone else, but they’re on the comp list.
Unlike awards shows with dates set in stone, local seat-filling is more laid back. Events aren’t always available (unless you’re in Las Vegas!), but they have fun seeing something new pop up out of the blue.
Why do promoters invite seat fillers?
Ah, good question. It seems odd that venues in the business of selling tickets would give some away for free. But, if you think about it, it all makes sense.
Empty seats can’t buy popcorn or drinks. They can’t clap loudly and don’t need to pay for parking, programs, or other merchandise. Seat fillers might be on the guest list, but they’re great guests – making for a livelier atmosphere, spending money on things aside from tickets, and returning to venues they love.
Seat Filling Opportunities Based on Location
If you think it sounds like fun, whether you’re focused on awards shows or love local theatre and other live entertainment, you might be able to be a seat filler based on where you live.
Seat Filling for Awards Shows
As we specialize in local seat filling here at OTL, we don’t know a lot about awards show seat filling and how many lucky wannabes are in the mix. However, we do know that Seat Fillers and More is one of the best places to go to throw your hat in the ring.
Keep in mind that awards show seat filling is different than what we previously described. You’re not there to enjoy the show, and you won’t be sitting with family and friends. But it’ll certainly give you some good stories to share with them later!
Las Vegas Seat Fillers
If you live in Vegas and love live entertainment, then you’re the luckiest of all, and you don’t need to gamble a penny.
PlugInVegas is a seat filling club for Las Vegas locals. It works with on and off-strip show promoters and offers its members incredible value. Unlike other locations where shows come and go in a few days, Vegas has some events that run every week for years. So, you’ll have plenty of fun nights on the town without paying for a single ticket.
Seat Fillers in Other US Locations
Local seat filling in other cities is handled by two seat filler clubs that have been supporting arts and entertainment for more than eight years.
- SeatStir
- OTL Seat Fillers
Your go-to club depends on your closest major market.
OTL Seat Fillers has 10 cities known as Preferred. They’re the 10 busiest with both shows and members.
Atlanta
Austin
Boston
Chicago
Denver
Los Angeles
Miami-Fort Lauderdale
San Francisco
On-Call Seat Filling Through OTL
Additionally, OTL has launched a new program called “OTL Seat Fillers On-Call,” so everyone has an option. On-Call covers the rest of the US for a much lower price (under $4.00 a month). When an on-call location has enough events and members, it’ll convert to a Preferred city. But current on-call members will stay at their super-low dues for at least a year.
Some of OTL’s best On-Call locations include:
Charlotte
Nashville
Orlando
Portland
Raleigh
Seattle
St. Louis
Tampa
Seat Fillers in London
OTL Seat Fillers also cover London with off-west end events and fringe theatre. Like seat fillers on-call, London seat fillers pay low membership dues (under £4.00 a month).
Get Started
Now that you know you CAN be a seat filler, are you ready TO be one? Don’t miss out on any more private invitations to incredible shows and events.
Use the links above to get started. If you’re interested in OTL, just click the button. It’s the most entertaining club – no meetings, just fun!
Frequently Asked Questions
Nothing is guaranteed in the seat-filling world. But your best shot at filling seats for celebrities is to register with Seat Fillers and More.
You can be a seat filler in Las Vegas if you're a local resident, but it's not open to tourists. If you have a Nevada driver's license or local ID, visit Plug In Vegas, and you'll be able to claim all kinds of free tickets on and off the strip.
Yes. There's a relatively new kind of seat-filling that has nothing to do with awards shows. It's called local seat filling and is available in many major markets across the US. If you live in Baltimore/DC, Cleveland, Minneapolis, NYC/NJ, Philadelphia, or Pittsburgh, your go-to is Seat Stir. For Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Denver, Miami-Fort Lauderdale, Nashville, Orlando, Portland, San Francisco, Seattle, St. Louis, Tampa Bay, and other US locations, and London, your go-to is OTL Seat Fillers.
OTL Seat Fillers in London are residents who get to attend shows and events throughout the city, primarily off-west end events. They pay just a few pounds a month and reserve up to four seats at a time.