Waitlists, long lines and theaters at maximum capacity are business as usual. Here are a few hacks and insights for festivalgoers looking to queue up for the festival’s most popular events.
“Sundance can be summed up in one phrase and one phrase only. All wait, no list.”
So says production company owner Davis Dewitt, who is currently standing in the waitlist line for a midnight screening of Tamra Davis’ documentary “The Best Summer.” (Kim Gordon from Sonic Youth is rumoured to be here!) Dewitt signed up for the waitlist as soon as it opened up—he’s number five in the queue. Such is Sundance.
Set Phone Reminders (Politely)
Festivalgoers looking to get on the waitlist for Sundance’s hottest films this year will experience something resembling a chaotic Ticketmaster online queue. You’ll need to grab a spot in the E-que fast. The pros set -phone notifications for the moment a waitlist opens up, regardless of setting—even seated in a dark, quiet filmmaker panel, you can hear the buzzing of alarm alerts.
This is part of the festival, but longtime festival attendee Allegra Montenegro-Jones suggests aspirant waitlisters to“turn down your brightness and ringer” when your moment comes.
First Three Rows Get Wet
The first three rows in a theater are typically reserved for those last few waitlisters lucky enough to make their way into a screening. Expect to crane your neck up at the screen. But hey, you made it in, and as a bonus, you’re in right up front if there’s a cast and crew Q&A following the film.
Don’t Be Shy
Lines are a great way to fellowship with fellow attendees—long wait times create a bonding experience for those stuck in impossibly long lines. Example: During a long line-up for The Best Summer, a gentleman offered the first few attendees on the waitlist his extra tickets after an animated conversation. Jackpot! They practically sprinted to the coveted ticket-holders line after waiting for hours in wait-list purgatory. The lesson? Sundancers are a friendly bunch who share a common love of film. Strike up a conversation next time you’re in a cold, impossibly long line.
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This story is jointly published by Salt Lake magazine and non-profit Amplify Utah to elevate perspectives in local media through student and emerging journalism.
