Spotlight on GANYC Guide: Jason Thompson
Introducing GANYC guide: Jason Thompson!
Company: Tour Noir NYC
Phone: 646-403-6909
Email
Social Media: Facebook / Instagram
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How long have you been a tour guide?
Since March of 2017!
What drove you to become a tour guide?
I'm a lifelong New Yorker and love this place to pieces and am constantly dismayed at the lack of knowledge people have about where they live. I'm trying to fight the lack of knowledge and intellectual curiosity that seems so prevalent in this country one tour at a time! Also I didn't want to work in an office...
What types of tours do you offer?
I do a sightseeing theater walking tour called Tour Noir NYC.
Do you offer Niche Tours?
Tour Noir: A Dame to Guide For is the definition of a niche tour! Tour Noir NYC combines a film noir comedy with a walking tour of Lower Manhattan. The story goes that I, humble tour guide Jason Thompson, am in the middle of leading a tour when my ex-fiance interprets and then tasks the tour group with finding her missing husband. Together we travel through Lower Manhattan and solve clues and do some fun screwball style comedy bickering while trying to find this missing person!
What is the most gratifying part of your work?
I love when people get very into the story and interact with me and the actress playing the role of my "ex-fiance". This shows that the play is engaging and I enjoy seeing all the moving parts come together and work in unison. I like to think of it as watching other people solve a puzzle I've already solved. I enjoy watching that process.
What time of year would you consider your busy season?
Hopefully the next season coming up!
Have you or your company been featured in print, broadcast or online media?
PERNYC Podcast - pernyc.com - scroll to the middle of the page for the one titled "tour noir" - listen for a GANYC mention - and some light ribbing - all in good fun!
What celebrities (if any) have patronized your business or organization?
The clothing designer KidSuper took my tour with his mom (both longtime friends) and they charmed the hell out of the journalists I was presenting to. Both journalists got her number and promised to call her for life and career advice. So that was pretty funny to me.
What upcoming or annual events, promotions or sales would you like to promote?
I'm doing a $25 promotion for the next 2 weeks - (from 6/10-6/24) just email me and talk about being in GANYC and we'll set something up.
How long have you been a member of GANYC?
Since October 2017.
How did you hear or learn about GANYC?
A friend of mine, who is a tour guide, does fantastic tours of Grand Central -- Zoe Seda -- told me to join.
How has GANYC helped you and your business?
GANYC helped set up a fam tour for me which went very well (picture proof on my website). Being part of a knowing community that speaks your language and can relate to your experiences and pass on hilarious stories and pearls of knowledge is always a great perk. It's a welcome treat to be among people who parlayed intellectual curiosity and a passion for New York City into a profession. Plus I enjoy collecting business cards at the network happy hours and hopefully setting up more fam tours.
What's your advice or Tour Guide tip you love to share to people visiting New York?
Make sure you hit all the major tourist sites. If this is your first time in New York, you better see the Statue of Liberty and Times Square and don't avoid it because it's not trendy or whatever. You're not impressing anyone by seeking out the best dive bar in the City. Be a tourist and own it - how many times are you going to be here realistically? Hit the main touristy sights for sure and then do something off the beaten path. Be a tourist and own it because no matter how hard you try we all know you're an "out of towner". And that's okay. Just own it.