Broadway on a Budget

One of the most iconic parts of New York City is the Theatre District. Between plays and musicals many people will travel specifically to New York just to see them. They have become an iconic part of entertainment and many actors have gone on from television and music to the stage. For example, Casey Cott who was made famous by the drama television, Riverdale, has gone on to play the Character of Christian in Moulin Rouge. Many times these casting decisions are made to draw in new audiences, whether or not the actor truly has the talents to pull it off. But because of all of these reasons, many people are drawn in to see a show when in the city. Although there is immense popularity within many of the plays and musicals, the prices often drive audiences away because of how expensive they are. Here hopefully you will be able to take some tips and tricks to see Broadway musicals and plays affordably. 

Online Rush

An affordable option to see a few lesser known shows is online rush. At a certain time each day, a set amount of tickets are released for certain shows. The important part of online rush is to make sure you are on the website at least five minutes before the tickets are released. Once the tickets are released, be quick to select the amount of tickets (up to two) and check out. The most reliable websites are TodayTix and Telecharge. Through TodayTix you will need to download the app, but Telecharge is an online website. Although these shows aren’t Broadway’s top front runners, it still proves to be a way to buy reasonably priced tickets ranging from 35 to 55 dollars.

In Person Rush

If you are already in the city when you realize you want to see a show, the most convenient way to get tickets would be in-person rush. Each box office for a show sells tickets, but a select few have tickets for about fifty dollars. To obtain these tickets people line up when the box office opens, which is determined by the theatre itself. For the most popular shows, like Sweeney Todd, people will begin lining up for the tickets as early as three hours before the box office opens. People can show up a few hours before the doors open and get tickets for other less popular shows, although that is a bit risky. 

Online Lottery

One of the most efficient ways to get tickets is through an online lottery system. For each show that offers an online lottery, it opens about a day beforehand. The websites that offer them are Telecharge, TodayTix, Broadway Direct and LuckySeat. Telecharge and Broadway Direct have shows available to enter the day before the show. TodayTix and LuckySeat but shows open for entry a week to a few days before the show. Through these websites, there is an option to enter multiple shows at a time. It has been proven that if you are flexible and enter as many lotteries as you can, the more likely you are to win. 

In Person Lottery

A less popular option for discounted tickets is the in-person lottery. For Wicked, an in-person lottery option is available. At a certain time, people will line up to put their names in a hat. Later in the day, there will be multiple names drawn and they will have the opportunity to buy two tickets each if they are chosen. This is a more low-key opportunity and there are usually fewer people given the fact that it is not a way to get guaranteed tickets. Although it is a risk, this opportunity has continued due to the low-cost tickets for a total of twenty-five dollars. Also, with Wicked being one of the most popular shows currently playing, people will want to see it for an affordable price, and this would be the way to do it if you are willing to take a chance. 

TKTS

Many people involved in theater know the importance of it. This is why the Theater Development Fund (TDF) was created. They sponsor the TKTS booth which has two locations, one in TImes Square, the other in Lincoln Center. The booth opens at the same time everyday, which allows people to line up beforehand. They offer tickets to a multitude of different broadway and off-broadway shows. The better the seats, the more expensive the tickets will be. The convenient factor of the booth is the affordable same day tickets. Although you may end up paying up to 200 dollars for a show, the regular price might be half that. There are also tickets for cheaper if you don’t care immensely about where your seat is located. Not all shows are available at the both, but there are many great options of well known ones.

TDF

Additionally, Through the Theater Development Fund, people will be able to buy discounted tickets in advance if they qualify for the program and pay the membership fee. Most people are able to qualify for the program, whether you are a student or work in the arts itself. In order to become a member you must submit proof of how you qualify, and pay a yearly membership fee of fifty dollars. If you are planning to see multiple shows a year, this membership fee might be worth it for you. The seats are excellent, and tickets only cost up to sixty dollars.  If you don’t qualify, but someone you know does, they could also purchase tickets for you. Unlike all the other options this program doesn’t have a two ticket limit, meaning you could buy tickets for a group of friends. It’s also very convenient if you are planning a trip to the city months in advance. This program offers both Broadway and off-Broadway show options. 

Overall, if you can’t afford the prices on ticketmaster or seatgeek, but still want to see a show, these options would be for you. Many people are passionate about the accessibility of theatre, which is why many of these options have been popularized and created. Just as much as people want to go to shows, there is no show without an audience. This is why the accessibility of shows specifically increases after a lull in the show’s audience. Whether or not you are a theatre nerd, live theatre is something that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy, no matter the price.