# Ferry Play

> Immersive audio play for the Staten Island Ferry experience. (iPhone/iPad app by Joshua Parmenter.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ferry-play/id967899042 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Joshua Parmenter](https://appshunter.io/developer/1183665020)
- Category: Entertainment, Travel
- Price: $1.99
- Rating: 3.80/5 from 10 App Store ratings · 9 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 15.6 · 98 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2015-03-23
- Data updated: 2026-06-11
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ferry-play/id967899042/reviews.md

## What is Ferry Play?

Ferry Play: An App Play

Ride New York City's Staten Island Ferry with nothing more than a set of headphones and this app to experience the site-specific, full sensory experience of a podplay for the Staten Island Ferry. As the ferry sets sail, put your earbuds in place and listen to the recorded production in which every surrounding sight, smell and sound plays a supporting role in the experience. Ghosts from the ferry's past mingle with voices from its present, leaving you to consider you role in the live performance event that is the Big Apple.

 Ferry Play is a self-scheduled performance: you can ride the ferry late at night, early in the morning, or any time in between - you choose the day and time, which then affects the experience you have. Act 1 takes place on the ride from Manhattan to Staten Island; Act 2 takes place on the ride from Staten Island to Manhattan. Podplays are an emerging genre of theatre that take advantage of mobile technology to create site-specific audio-based theatrical experiences.

## Key features

- Site-specific audio play
- Full sensory experience
- Podplay genre
- Self-scheduled performance
- Interactive narrative
- Dual-act journey

## Recent user reviews (9 of 9)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ferry-play/id967899042/reviews.md

### 4/5 — Pleasantly Grounding

*2016-05-12, version 1.6*

I found this experience quite grounding and comforting, especially in the narration portion of Act 2. I felt like I knew more than everyone on the ferry; not in a conceited sense but in a more noble way. While the acting in Act 1 felt somewhat pushed and could have been softened at times, Paul provided a pleasant reminder in Act 2 to absorb the beauty and history that surrounds us instead of sinking into our own hectic schedules throughout our time in New York City.

### 1/5 — Meh - not great

*2016-04-14, version 1.6*

Did not transport me as I hoped. Script was poor and did not contain wonderment.  Felt like the playwright had attempted moments of awe which would have been great if the script and acting delivered. But I don’t feel they succeeded.  The dialogue was tedious and bombastic.  

I think you’re better off acting on the impulses it seems the creators, and most tourists,  are interested in  (people watching, taking a moment to reflect on the history of NY harbor, and the visceral experience of being on a boat) rather than experiencing it along the characters playing through your headphones.  

One positive thing I will say is has the potential to lead you to various area of the ship but nothing you could’t find yourself by walking around.

### 1/5 — Boring and pedantic

*2016-02-14, version 1.6*

I only got through the First Act. No interesting information. Preachy narration about how we don’t really “notice” things anymore. Bleh. Def. not worth $2.

### 2/5 — I applaud the effort but....

*2015-10-18, version 1.6*

....the production values were poor and the acting terrible. You are meant to feel that you are overhearing fellow travelers. Instead its so obvious that it was all recorded in a studio. Having the volume low enough to actually hear real people near you does not help.
Some wind noises or "room tone" would have helped tremendously. In addition, playing with the left and right channels would have made it seem as if the conversation were coming from people on either side of you.

Most of the time the dialogue was so affected. The people were always actors to me. It never sounded like real conversation.

It would have taken so little to have made this better.

### 5/5 — WOW!

*2015-08-20, version 1.6*

Ferry Play is an utterly original theatrical experience. Not to be missed!

### 5/5 — It made my commute a joy

*2015-04-22, version 1.6*

Wow! This was a wonderful experience. What a great way to make your commute more fun. When I arrived in Staten Island I almost wanted to turn around and go home just to hear the end of the play. They should have something like this for everyone in New York who commutes.

### 5/5 — Captivatingly entertaining!

*2015-03-31, version 1.6*

Love, love, love this interesting, clever portrayal of moments in the lives of people aboard the Staten Island Ferry. The writing captures the essence of realistic characters whom all of us know or have met, and the acting is superb ("tired child" and "whiney child" - perfection!). Sound effects enhance the sense that one is really on the ferry overhearing native New Yorkers and tourists. Indeed, as I listened to this podcast from my couch at home, I felt transported. Excellent piece in every way. Highly, highly recommend.

### 5/5 — Innovative Theatrical Experience

*2015-03-31, version 1.6*

This is a truly innovative, experiential piece of theater.  It enhances your experience of an otherwise unremarkable part of city life and I hope there are more stories for this location and others to come.

### 5/5 — Professor

*2015-03-28, version 1.6*

To hear a play on site on the ferry. What a creative breakthrough!!!  Great writing, direction, and acting too. Strongly recommended.

## Frequently asked questions about Ferry Play

### What is Ferry Play?

Ferry Play is an app that provides a site-specific, full sensory audio play experience for the Staten Island Ferry. It uses your surroundings to enhance a recorded theatrical production.

### How much does Ferry Play cost?

Ferry Play is a paid app, available for $1.99. This one-time purchase grants you access to the full experience.

### Does Ferry Play have ads?

No, Ferry Play does not contain advertisements. It is a paid application designed for an uninterrupted immersive experience.

### What devices support Ferry Play?

Ferry Play is currently supported on iPhone and iPod devices. It is designed for mobile listening with headphones.

### When was Ferry Play last updated?

The latest version of Ferry Play was released on October 21, 2024. The app was originally released on March 23, 2015.

### What age rating does Ferry Play have?

Ferry Play has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide audience. The content is designed to be engaging for various age groups.

### Can I listen to Ferry Play offline?

The app description does not specify offline playback capabilities. However, it is designed to be used during a ferry ride, which typically has connectivity.

### What do users like about Ferry Play?

Based on its 3.8-star rating from 10 reviews, users likely appreciate the innovative concept of an audio play tied to a specific location like the Staten Island Ferry. The immersive and site-specific nature is a key draw.

## Version history (last 3 releases)

### 1.8 — 2024-10-21

Updated for the latest versions of iOS

### 1.7 — 2020-07-10

Updates for modern phone sizes

### 1.6 — 2015-03-23

No release notes.

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## More apps by Joshua Parmenter

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All apps by Joshua Parmenter: https://appshunter.io/developer/1183665020

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-11.*