Anyone traveling to New York City will likely have seeing the Statue of Liberty and a attending a Broadway show on their “short-list”. That is, until they find out the cost. To me the prices always seemed extravagant but I still wanted to see them. As it turns out, a little research yielded some good and time-tested ways to get cheap Broadway tickets. Let’s find out!
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How to Score Cheap Broadway Tickets When You Are in NYC
So you arrived in the city and really want to see a Broadway show. But yeah, it can be hard to justify the expense, at least for me.
Currently, the average price of a Broadway ticket is around $135, with outliers like Hamilton being closer to a $250. So, if you want to take a family to a show, things add up pretty fast.
KISS: Keep It Simple by Visiting the Box Office
Surprisingly, the box office at the show’s theater can be a great option. They have access to a wider variety of tickets than any resellers and you won’t have to pay sometimes exorbitant “processing fees”.
Last year we got a good deal at The Book of Mormon. After searching on line availability and running into many upsells, we decided to just visit the ticket office. Lo and behold: we got excellent seats, unobstructed view for $99 each and they even upgraded us to aisle seats which officially cost $109. If we had been willing to go for obstructed view, they had $ 79 tickets available.
Of course, this is not possible for everyone if you have limited time in New York City, but it worked for us and allowed us to avoid the long lines at TKTS.
Stand In Line at TKTS for Discounted Same Day Tickets
Many people know about the TKTS booths. But do you know about their history? Almost 50 years ago, in 1973, TDF (Theatre Development Fund) opened the first TKTS booth where people could get same day tickets at a discount. The discounts range from 20% to 50% off regular prices. The philosophy of TKTS is to let everyone experience the arts in New York City at affordable prices by offering many Broadway and Off Broadway musicals, plays, and dance productions.
Where are the TKTS booths and which one is best?
TDF operates three Discount Booths in New York City. Although their most famous one is in the heart of Times Square, they now have a satellite booth at at the Lincoln Center. During the day, TKTS shares live updates about which shows are on offer and their price range.
“Everyone” Knows theTKTS Times Square Booth
Location and opening times: “under the red steps” in Father Duffy Square at Broadway and 47th Street. Most days it is open from 11am to 8pm for same day performances.
This location often has long lines, although they claim that they move fast. We have often gotten good deals at the booth.
If you go more than once, use the so-called Fast Pass Line. Bring your TKTS ticket stub or physical receipt with you and they will let you use the priority line. You can do this for up to 7 days from your original purchase.
Did You Know about the TKTS Lincoln Center Booth?
Location and hours: in the David Rubenstein Atrium at 61 West 62nd Street. This booth opens Tuesday to Saturday at 11am and closes at 6pm. They offer both evening and matinee performances, even for the next day matinees.
The Lincoln Center booth is our current favorite, because we could get evening tickets earlier than at the Times Squares booth. Last month, arriving at the Lincoln center about half an hour before opening, and there was already a line. We liked the way they organized the line-up, there was no pushing or shoving and they gave information about which shows were cash only that day. In addition, it is indoors, and has air conditioning which makes it a lot more comfortable during a heat wave or when it is raining or snowing.
Additional TKTS considerations
We have had good luck with TKTS, but it is a disadvantage that you have to go there in person to get your tickets. In general, the average price of a Broadway ticket at the booth will be between $75 and $95. Top prices for Off Broadway shows are somewhat less expensive than Broadway shows. Generally, an Off Broadway show will cost around $50. Check out the TKTS FAQ for more information about methods of payment (some shows are cash only), ticketing fees and more.
How to Get Cheap Broadway Tickets In Advance, From Home
Become a TDF Member
A few years ago we found out that Theatre Development Fund (TDF) has an additional program where members can buy cheap Broadway tickets on line. TDF membership costs $42 a year and will gain you immediate access to specially-priced tickets from $11 to $49!
The tickets sold via TDF are different from the TKTS offerings and you can buy them days or weeks in advance. Unlike at the TKTS booths, you can not pick a specific seat, so you will not know your exact seat ahead of time. Online ticket purchases may only be picked up at the theatre 30 minutes before curtain time on the day of the performance. Tickets may not be picked up at any other time.
You can only become a TDF member if you are in one of the following categories:
- Full-time students
- Full-time teachers and school faculty
- Recent graduates (26 years of age and under)
- Full-time union members
- Retirees (no longer working and 62 years of age or older)
- Individuals on federal disability
- Full-time government employees/civil servants
- Full-time staff members of not-for-profit organizations
- Non-exempt employees (full-time and eligible for overtime pay)
- Arts professionals (Full-time)
- Members of the armed forces
- Freelancers
- Full-time clergy
As you can see, their membership requirements are quite broad and it will most likely save you at least the annual $42 membership fee. When we used them we got Miss Saigon tickets for a lot less than they were going for at the box office and we could do it from the comfort of our home.
A TDF membership, in addition to getting discounted Broadway tickets, provides much needed support to the theater community. Your membership (along with every ticket you buy) supports TDF’s many far-reaching arts education and theatre accessibility programs.
Get Lucky: Win the Lottery!
Before Covid, a few shows had in-person lotteries but for obvious reasons they couldn’t go on. Nowadays all the lotteries are digital, and give you the right to buy tickets for next day or next week shows. Although you still have to pay, the price will be heavily discounted from box office rates.
Broadway Ticket Lottery Schedule has a great overview of all the lotteries.
Some examples:
- Alladin: $45 Alladin Lottery entries are from 9am until 3pm on the day prior to the performance. After closing, the winners will be notified by email.
- Hamilton: $10 The Hamilton lottery gives access to shows a week after entering, so you can take your chances in advance.
- The Book of Mormon: $49. Enter at Lucky Seat: The Book of Mormon Lottery This is another lottery happening the day before the performance.
There are many more available., just wanted to get you a feel for the opportunities awaiting you. Lotteries at Broadway Direct is a good resource for entering lotteries for other big shows.
Also be beware that some of them are for the next day, but others, like Hamilton are for the next week. Be sure to enter them for your correct date.
We Won the Ticket Lottery Twice!
In case you think “I will never win the lottery and why would I even try?!” I have two counterexamples. Every time we go to New York City I enter about every Broadway lottery available. And bingo, we won twice!
Our first win was Wicked! shortly before the movie came out. What an amazing show and we enjoyed every moment of it.
Of course, after seeing the show I had to read the book and was quite surprised about how different it was. Just a heads up in case you think the show and the book are similar.
During another visit to New York City we won tickets to the Lion King. Wow wow wow! They do amazing things with puppets and the stage is beyond spectacular. The story was basically the same as the animated Disney movie and there is no book to be read as far as I know 🙂
So keep trying if you don’t succeed the first time, it definitely is worth trying again.
Broadway Week: Buy One, Get One Free
Twice a year, NYC Broadway week happens and you can buy 2 tickets for the price of 1. A few years ago we used this deal to take four teens on a “first Broadway show, first time in NYC” weekend trip. We stayed for free in a Hilton hotel and had a blast!
Additional Tips for Good Deals for Broadway Shows
Sometimes you have to think outside of the box or explore performances you had never considered but turn out to be just fine.
Be Flexible!
When you can be flexible in what you want to see, you have more options than if there is only one show you have your heart set on. TKTS tends to have a wide variety of choices so be open for something new. They usually have Off Broadway tickets available for a more reasonable price than the big shows.
And while you are in New York City, find good and affordable food to eat in a so-called Bib Gourmand Michelin restaurant.
Do Not Buy Broadway Tickets from Random People
As you walk around New York City, there may be many random people trying to sell you lots of stuff, including Broadway tickets. Or you might find a great deal on Craigslist. Don’t do it! These may be scams. Most, if not all, of these are not sanctioned by the box offices and you will end up spending money, but not being able to see the show.
Playbill has a good Broadway tickets guide about which venues are the official sellers for a particular theater, so check them for ticket prices and availability.
Get a Free Ticket for a Television Show
Instead of a Broadway show, consider attending a taping. You can sign up for the lottery at 1iota-free tickets for fans. Most shows have an afternoon taping for a night time airing. Last week we were able to see Seth Meyers late night in person with Eddie Murphy and Nicola Yoon as guests. What a great experience!
In the past we have seen Steven Colbert and he had an author as his guest, Nicola Yoon. Before I saw her at the show I didn’t know her, but by now I have enjoyed a bunch of her books.
Escape New York: Go Somewhere Else!
If you want to see a popular musical, which is too expensive (or far away) on Broadway, think globally! Hamilton plays in many US cities, like Chicago, Washington DC, Seattle and others for more affordable prices. Alternatively, go abroad. One of my friends for example traveled to London to see Hamilton and paid less for travel plus show than if he had seen it on Broadway.
Conclusion for Cheap Broadway Tickets
If you are flexible (dates and/or shows), there are many ways to get cheap Broadway tickets. TDF offers a good way to get discounted tickets longer in advance than the other choices. It all depends on your personal circumstances. I hope this guide gave you enough info to enjoy a cheap Broadway show.
Have you been to Broadway? Which show did you see? Do you know other ways of getting cheap Broadway tickets? Please comment and let us know.
Other Things To Do in New York City
- Take a free ferry ride past the Statue of Liberty and get awesome pictures for your instagram;
- Make sure you know how to beat the shell game. There is no scarcity of scammers in NYC!
- Learn about the history of the iconic Waldorf Astoria New York and find out when it reopens.
- If you are a reader, check out Lauren Elena’s Literary Dates blog, where she shares a lot of NYC book tours. A fascinating and different dimension for visiting New York City;
- Not New York City, but still interesting, visit the New York State Capitol and see some murals by the same painter as the first Waldorf Astoria;
- Explore New York City!
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