Upcoming Shows
Broadway musicals are a staple of American culture and a highlight of the New York City tourist circuit. Some of the most popular shows sell out for weeks on end. Unfortunately, Broadway tickets can be costly, with tickets for in-demand shows costing $200 or more. Here are some tips for catching a Broadway show on a tight budget.
The best way to get cheap Broadway tickets
The best way to score cheap Broadway tickets is by shopping around and comparing the prices offered by different vendors. Ticket prices for the same show vary depending on where you buy them. You should use a site like BroadwayMusicals.US that compares ticket prices for all major online vendors, including Stubhub, Vividseats, and American Arenas. With vendors often offering exclusive discounts and promotions, you can save upwards of $100 on some tickets.
Stand For Cheap
You could also save money by specifically looking for tickets in sections offering unconventional seating arrangements. For example, most productions will include on-stage seats. These are seats on and around the stage but in positions without the best viewing angles. At times, you will be viewing the actors from the side, or even from behind. But they are usually much cheaper, some costing up to 50% of the price of “regular” seats. You can also find out if a theater has a standing section where you won’t get seating but can enjoy shows at discounted prices. If you don’t mind giving up some comfort and not enjoying optimum viewing angles, these tickets are your best option for enjoying Broadway shows on the cheap.
TKTS Discount Booths
You can also get discounted Broadway tickets from TKTS booths. The main one is in Times Square, but a quick internet search will show if there is one closer to you. These booths are operated by the Theatre Development Fund, a non-profit whose goal is to make theater accessible to all. They partner with theaters and productions to offer tickets with a 20% – 50% discount. If you want tickets for a popular show, you have to move fast as they sell out quickly. If you are ever in London, you can find discounted tickets for West End productions at TKTS booths over there as well.
(CAUTION: Be wary of tickets sold on the street. Tickets not purchased at the TKTS Discount Booths may be fraudulent or illegally obtained. Illegal tickets will not be honored at the theatre).
Participating in ticket lotteries
Other ways to score cheap Broadway tickets include participating in ticket lotteries. Most productions will offer a few prime seats as prizes in a lottery; winners will get these seats for free or at much cheaper rates (usually around $40). Some theaters will also give free seats to volunteers. If you are selected as a volunteer, you will help usher in other theatergoers, after which you can enjoy the show for free. You can also find promo codes for online ticket sellers like Stubhub with a quick internet search.
Summary
When looking for Broadway ticket deals, it is important to start your search early. Broadway is wildly popular, and discounted tickets will often sell out in minutes. The same applies to volunteer positions which get filled up fast. Ticket comparison is often the best way to go which is why you should bookmark price comparison sites like BroadwayMusicals.US.
