Broadway shows are a quintessential part of the New York City experience. With dozens of world-class productions performing each night, Broadway is one of the top attractions for both tourists and locals alike. However, buying Broadway tickets can be confusing, especially if you’ve never done it before. Here is a quick guide on everything you need to know to purchase tickets for Broadway shows in New York.
Types of Broadway Shows
There are three main types of Broadway shows:
Musicals
Musicals are plays or stories set to music, featuring singing and dancing. Famous Broadway musicals include Hamilton, Wicked, The Lion King, and Chicago. Musicals often have elaborate sets, costumes, and choreography.
Plays
Plays are stories acted out on stage without music. Well-known plays on Broadway currently include The Minutes, The Piano Lesson, and To Kill a Mockingbird. Plays focus more on dialogue and acting rather than music and spectacle.
Revivals
Revivals are new productions of previously performed Broadway shows. Both plays and musicals can be revived. Current Broadway revivals include Death of a Salesman, 1776, A Streetcar Named Desire, and Into the Woods. Revivals give theatergoers a chance to experience classic shows.
Buying Broadway Tickets Directly
You can purchase Broadway tickets directly from each show’s box office or official website. Here are some tips for buying direct:
- Check the show’s website for ticket options and prices. Select your preferred date and number of tickets.
- Create an account if needed. This allows you to store payment information for faster checkout.
- Look for ticket lotteries or rush policies. Some shows sell cheap last-minute tickets.
- Sign up for ticket alerts if your desired performance is sold out.
- Purchase early for the best seat selection. The most popular shows can sell out months in advance.
Buying directly from the box office or venue website is the best way to avoid extra fees. You can also be sure you’re getting legitimate tickets. The downside is that you have to check each show’s website individually.
Using a Broadway Ticket Broker
Ticket brokers aggregate Broadway tickets in one place for simplicity. Some of the top Broadway ticket brokers include:
- Broadway.com – Official ticketing for many Broadway shows
- Telecharge.com – Sells tickets for over 50 Broadway productions
- Ticketmaster.com – Large ticket marketplace including Broadway
- VividSeats.com – Broadway tickets and resales; no service fees
- SeatGeek.com – Comparison shop Broadway tickets from multiple sellers
brokers allow you to:
- See all Broadway shows on one site.
- Sort by date, price, or show.
- Easily compare availability and seating options.
- Save shows to a wishlist.
- Get notifications for new tickets or price drops.
However, brokers do add extra fees to ticket prices. Make sure to compare a few sites to find the best deals on the tickets you want.
Buying from a Broadway Ticket Reseller
You can also purchase Broadway tickets from a ticket reseller or marketplace like StubHub or New York Show Tickets. Resellers offer tickets people are reselling, which are often below face value or marked down. Benefits of using a reseller:
- Access hard-to-find tickets that are sold out at box offices.
- Score last-minute deals on tickets.
- Find tickets below face value.
- Choose from a large supply of event tickets.
The selection at resellers varies day-to-day. Be sure to shop around to find discounted tickets for your preferred dates and shows. Also beware of counterfeit tickets when buying from a reseller. Purchase from a reputable site.
Booking Broadway Tickets as Part of a Package
Some travel companies and tour providers offer Broadway tickets as part of larger NYC packages. These can bundle your tickets with a hotel, meals, transportation, or other activities. Packages are available through:
- NYC tourism companies – Companies like NYC Vacation Packages or NYC Explorer Pass
- Hotels – Many NYC hotels offer Broadway packages with tickets to guests
- Travel booking sites – Expedia, Priceline, and Hotwire sell Broadway packages
- Vacation Packages – Companies like Broadway Vacations book entire NYC trips with show tickets
The convenience of getting tickets, hotels, and more in one booking can be appealing. But packages don’t always offer the lowest prices on every item. Run the numbers to see if a package actually saves over individual bookings.
Using Broadway Ticket Discount and Promo Codes
Look for ways to save on Broadway tickets by using discount and promo codes. Here are some tips for finding Broadway ticket deals:
- Join Broadway email lists to receive ticket offers and discount codes.
- Check Broadway box office websites for coupon codes and student/senior discounts.
- Look for Broadway ticket promotions on daily deal sites like Groupon.
- See if your employer, school, or organization offers discounted Broadway tickets.
- Some credit cards have special offers for Broadway tickets as a cardholder perk.
- Consider getting a Broadway ticket membership like Audience Rewards for special member deals.
Using coupon codes is an easy way to shave money off Broadway tickets. Search around online or check with local groups to find codes before placing your Broadway ticket order. Discounts can range from $10-$50 off per ticket.
Buying Broadway Tickets at the TKTS Booth
TKTS is a famous Broadway ticket booth in NYC run by the Theatre Development Fund. At the booths you can purchase same-day discounted tickets for many different Broadway and Off-Broadway shows. TKTS offers 20%-50% off regular prices.
- There are three TKTS booths in NYC – Times Square, Lincoln Center, and South Street Seaport.
- You can see which shows have tickets available and current pricing on the TKTS website.
- Be prepared to wait in line. The Times Square location often has long queues.
- Have back-up shows in mind in case your first choice sells out.
- You can only pay in cash at the booths.
TKTS is great for getting cheap last-minute Broadway tickets. But choices are limited since you can only buy tickets the same day, and the most popular shows will sell out early. Head to TKTS if you are flexible on which show you see.
Entering Broadway Ticket Lotteries
Many Broadway shows hold ticket lotteries before performances to sell discounted tickets. Entering the lottery is free and gives you a chance to score tickets for around $40 or less.
- Lotteries are usually held daily or weekly for popular shows.
- You enter by signing up in person near the theater about 2 hours before curtain.
- A drawing is held and winners get the chance to purchase tickets.
- Payment is required immediately if your name is drawn.
- Limit is typically 1-2 tickets per winner.
Playing the lottery can nab you great last-minute Broadway tickets. Drawings are held right before show time so you can enter even without much notice. But win odds are very low for the hottest shows. Have a back-up plan in case you don’t win.
Standing in Broadway Ticket Rushed Lines
Many Broadway theaters also hold in-person rush lines before shows. You stand in line and can purchase any unsold tickets for a huge discount. General tips for rush lines:
- Tickets are often $20-$40, first come first served.
- Lines open 1-2 hours before the performance.
- There’s no guarantee of getting a ticket if lines are long.
- Most accept only cash for rush tickets.
- You may be restricted to certain sections like standing room only.
Rushing is a viable option for getting super cheap tickets. But be prepared for the possibility of not getting a ticket after waiting, especially for the most in-demand shows.
Purchasing Standing Room Only Broadway Tickets
If you don’t mind standing, consider buying Standing Room Only (SRO) Broadway tickets. The rules for SRO tickets are:
- Tickets are only for designated standing room sections.
- Prices range from $30-$50 per ticket.
- Availability varies by performance and show.
- You can only stand in your assigned area, not sit.
- Some standing zones have obstructed views.
SRO Broadway tickets are a budget way to get into an otherwise pricey show. You give up a reserved seat, but still get to experience the production live. Arrive early to claim a good vantage point in the standing area before it fills up.
Getting Half-Price Broadway Tickets at Select Times
The Broadway Week and Broadway Bargain Ticket programs offer periodic half-price Broadway tickets. These are official discount programs, not scalped tickets.
- Broadway Week held twice annually for 2 weeks. Participating shows offer 50% off tickets.
- Broadway Bargain Ticket held every January and September. Discounted tickets to 5+ shows.
- Availability is limited and half-price tickets sell out extremely fast.
- You can buy tickets online, by phone or at the box office.
- No codes needed. Discount prices are clearly marked.
Scoring Broadway Week or Broadway Bargain tickets gives you the chance to see a show you want at an excellent price. Set a reminder so you don’t miss their limited windows of availability throughout the year.
Signing up for Broadway Ticket Alerts
Since Broadway tickets sell out fast, signing up for ticket alerts can help you snag seats the moment they are released. You can get alerts directly from theater box offices or ticket sellers. Useful alert options include:
- Get notified when new tickets go on sale for future show dates.
- Receive alerts when more tickets are released for sold out dates.
- Find out if ticket prices drop for dates you want.
- Get notified if a show you want announces a closing date.
Setting Broadway ticket alerts takes a bit of extra planning. But it ensures you grab seats the minute they become available for high-demand shows. You’ll beat out other buyers competing for those coveted tickets.
What Sections to Choose for Broadway Tickets
When purchasing Broadway tickets, you’ll be faced with choosing a section and seats. Some tips on selecting your section:
Orchestra
The Orchestra section is on the ground floor, closest to the stage. Pros:
- Puts you near the action
- Great view of stage details and actors’ expressions
Cons:
- Most expensive seats
- You may have to crane your neck to see
Front Mezzanine
The Front Mezzanine is the first elevated section after Orchestra. Pros:
- More affordable than Orchestra
- Close to the stage with good views
- Look down on the show and see the entire stage
Cons:
- Views partially obstructed at the far sides
Rear Mezzanine
The Rear Mezzanine (or Mezzanine 2) is higher up and further back. Pros:
- Cheaper price point
- Elevated view lets you take in the full stage
Cons:
- Furthest from the action
- Some obstruction from balconies above
Avoid Obstructed Views
Check seat views before buying. Some Orchestra and Mezzanine seats marked “obstructed view” see little or have pillars blocking sightlines.
How Far in Advance to Buy Broadway Tickets
For very popular shows that routinely sell out, buy your tickets 4-6 months early. This gives you the best pick of dates, times and seats.
For most shows, buying 1-3 months in advance is ideal. This still allows good availability and cheaper pricing before demand drives costs up.
Last-minute Broadway tickets 1-2 weeks out work if you are flexible on shows or seats. Use discount options like TKTS Booth, lotteries, SRO, or rush tickets.
If timing your NYC trip primarily around theater, buy Broadway tickets first before making non-refundable travel plans. Have tickets secured before booking flights and hotels.
For high-demand shows on weekends, peak holidays, or during awards season, always book as far in advance as you can. Late buyers will pay the highest premiums on any remaining seats.
How to Get Cheap Broadway Tickets
Here are some top tips for finding affordable Broadway tickets:
- Book for weeknights (Tuesday-Thursday) instead of weekends
- Buy rear mezzanine or balcony seats instead of premium orchestra
- Look for off-season dates in January to April to avoid peak tourist season
- Check out newer shows before they become super hot
- Enter lotteries, rush queues and stand in SRO lines
- Watch for discount codes and daily deals
- Buy discounted same-day tickets at the TKTS booth
Avoiding the highest demand dates along with premium seating areas will help lower the price. Compromising on shows and schedule can also unlock deals.
Conclusion
While scoring affordable Broadway tickets involves effort and compromises, the magical experience of seeing a show makes it all worthwhile. Avoid peak times, be flexible on seating, and use discount programs. With some strategic planning, you can secure great seats without breaking the bank, even at the hottest shows. Broadway’s lights beckon!
