What Does a Seat Filler Do?
Are You Curious?
by Lu Ann Wall, OTL Seat Fillers
More than a decade ago, my family and I started OTL Seat Fillers with the simple idea of connecting people with incredible local entertainment. Over the years, we’ve seen how seat filling has evolved, especially after Covid changed the landscape for live events and similar services. There may not be as many opportunities for seat fillers as in the pre-COVID era, but the importance of seat fillers remains stronger than ever.
Being a seat filler is still one of the best ways to stretch your entertainment budget, receive private invitations to shows and activities, and discover events you might not have even known existed. So, if you’re not sure what a seat filler does, read on, as I think you’ll like it!
TL;DR: Seat fillers are people who fill empty seats at events. With OTL Seat Fillers, members receive free tickets to shows and events in their local area while helping venues create a lively, engaged audience. Unlike awards show seat fillers, OTL Seat Fillers enjoy amazing local entertainment as part of a private membership club.
What Is a Seat Filler?
A seat filler is someone who fills empty seats at events. This can include everything from comedy shows and theater productions to awards shows and live tapings. While the concept originated to ensure packed venues for television broadcasts, seat fillers now play a role in creating vibrant atmospheres at all kinds of live events.
For local events, seat fillers ensure that performances have enthusiastic audiences, regardless of how many tickets are sold. This is where OTL Seat Fillers step in—to support local venues while enjoying the perks of free entertainment.
How OTL Seat Fillers Work
OTL Seat Fillers are local residents who sign up for a membership to receive free tickets to a variety of events in their city.
Here’s how it works:
- Membership: Members join OTL Seat Fillers for a small monthly fee, gaining access to complimentary tickets for shows and events.
- Invitations: Members receive private invitations to available events, with the option to bring guests.
- Attendance: Members simply show up, enjoy the event, and keep the details of their membership private.
Unlike other services, OTL Seat Fillers focuses exclusively on local entertainment, ranging from community theater productions to comedy clubs, immersive experiences, and more.
Seat Fillers for Awards Shows
Awards show seat fillers operate differently. These seat fillers—often hired or volunteering through agencies—ensure that every seat is occupied during televised events like the Oscars or Grammys. Their job is to seamlessly fill seats vacated by attendees during breaks or transitions.
While awards show seat fillers experience glamorous events up close, they are not actual audience members. They’re often moved from seat to seat and cannot interact with the stars.
Benefits of Being a Seat Filler
Being a seat filler offers unique perks:
- Exclusive Invitations: Access events that you might not otherwise attend.
- Cost Savings: Enjoy free tickets, worth more (often, much more!) than the membership fee.
- Community Support: Help local venues thrive by contributing to lively audiences.
- Unique Experiences: Discover new shows, performances, and venues in your city.
Being a seat filler is a fun and rewarding way to support local venues while enjoying incredible experiences. With OTL Seat Fillers, it’s not just about filling seats; it’s about creating memories.
So, now that we’ve addressed the question, “What does a seat filler do?” what do you want to do?
Join the club today and discover the best-kept secret in entertainment!
FAQs About the Role of a Seat Filler
Yes, as long as you live in a location covered by OTL (US & London)! With OTL Seat Fillers, anyone over 18 can join. There are no auditions or special requirements.
Yes, the tickets are complimentary for OTL Seat Fillers members, but monthly dues apply. The dues are so low, though (like $3.65 a month low!), so even attending one event can more than offset the cost
No. OTL Seat Fillers do not impact regular ticket sales and only attend events with unsold seats.
This depends on the city and the availability of events. Top cities like Atlanta, Austin, and Los Angeles tend to have more frequent invites, but we're talking about once or twice a month, not daily or even weekly. Keep in mind, seat fillers don't pay for tickets, so paying even $10 a month and attending a $30 event every three months is still a bargain because members receive two tickets (or up to four, depending on the membership plan), so a single $30 event is a $60 value!
No. You simply RSVP, show up, and enjoy the event as a regular attendee - and you're seated with your guest.