GETTING A CLUE
There are two theaters that house music, opera, theater and dance; the BAM Rose Cinemas, with both current and archival offerings; and the BAMcafé (which also serves as a music venue and literary salon). You’ve also got the Howard Gilman Opera House, built in 1906 for the Philharmonic Society, and the second stage, the Harvey (named for Harvey Lichtenstein).

GETTING IN
Tickets to BAM events can be relatively inexpensive, which is lucky since $10 rush tickets (sold 90 minutes before the curtain) are available only to students under 25 or seniors over 62. Beware, though, the cheap seats at the Harvey (stools that can wreck a sensitive back) and the “partial view” seats on the extreme sides in the Opera House orchestra section—supertitles can be completely invisible. To save money and beat the ticket-hungry competition, sign up for the four-show subscription package, a selection of 16 events that saves you 20 percent. Call 718-636-4100 or mail an order (forms at bam.org). Keep in mind, eleventh-hour returns and released “emergency” seats open up entire rows at the last minute. During the sold-to-the-walls production of King Lear, dozens of hopefuls got in off the waiting list.

GETTING YOUR MONEY’S WORTH
BAM doesn’t observe the custom of “fashionably late” productions. Its theater shows can start at 7:30, and the steady stream of tiptoeing, embarrassed theater patrons at 7:45 certainly attests to the theaters’ punctuality. Musical events also begin at the ticketed time. And even longtime BAM enthusiasts can be caught unawares by the movie policy. Movies start as advertised, with trailers appearing in the 15 minutes beforehand.

GETTING PERKS
If you are a movie or a process junkie, consider joining up. Locals swear by the Cinema Club (a $60 joining fee), in which members get heavily discounted tickets, while Friends of BAM (starting at $75) can see invited dress rehearsals and buy tickets before they are released to the general public. Call 718-636-4194, or download and mail in a form from bam.org.—Helen Shaw

Your guide to Ft. Greene
“ Food & drink
“ Fort-ified wine
“Art
“Art star: Whether you’re a Brooklyn Academy of Music newbie or an old fan, here’s how to get more BAM for your buck.
“Shopping
“Sport & spa