How To: Score Discounted Theater Tickets

Whenever someone I know is planning a trip to New York, their first question is practically always the same: how can I get cheap Broadway tickets? I'll be honest with you, my bargain ticket hunting days are somewhat behind me, as I rarely get to be an audience member. It's difficult to get to see other shows when you are always working at your own! Recently though, I took off work one Thursday night so I could finally see the musical Dear Evan Hansen.

For this post, I decided to mix things up a little and invited a special guest writer to help me out. I'm excited to introduce you to my beautiful friend Caitlin McNeilage. (You can learn a little more about her here.) She is a wealth of Broadway knowledge and knows all the tricks to getting the best deals on discount tickets. Enjoy!

As a college student living in the city and studying musical theatre, I try to see as many shows as possible, but it can definitely get expensive! So here are some of my favorite ways to get Broadway tickets that won’t break the bank.

01. TodayTix

TodayTix is both a website and an app that sells discounted tickets to shows the week of the performance. Tickets to some of Broadway’s most popular shows are available for much lower prices. TodayTix also has lottery and rush tickets to many shows that you can enter daily! If you want to plan ahead, this isn't your best option because you can only purchase tickets a week in advance, but it’s great for last minute deals!

02. Broadway for Broke People

This website lists every show currently on Broadway and includes their weekly schedule, closing date and discounted ticket policies. Certain shows have rush tickets that are available to purchase in person when the box office opens each day. Other shows have discounted Standing Room Only tickets available along with physical and digital lotteries you can enter daily. This is the best place to find all the discounted ticket information for each and every show!

03. Broadway Direct Lottery

Most shows have online lotteries that you can enter through the website broadwaydirect.com. Simply go to the “Lottery” tab and check out which of your favorite shows is available.

04. Hiptix

Roundabout Theatre Company has a special program for audience members between the ages of 18 and 35 that gets you $25 tickets to all of their shows. Plus, it’s completely free to join!

05. LincTix

Lincoln Center Theatre allows patrons ages 21-35 to sign up for their LincTix program. Participants have the chance to buy $32 tickets to all new LCT productions. Also, if you’re a student under the age of 21, student rush tickets are available at the box office two hours before each show.

06. MTC 30 Under 30

Manhattan Theatre Club offers two $30 tickets to each of their productions for members of the 30 Under 30 program. As long as you are under the age of 30, you can sign up to receive this exclusive offer. Membership also includes periodic invites to special events.

07. BroadwayBox.com

This website offers discounts on some of Broadway’s hottest shows! Just pick the show you want to see and receive a discount code to use on Telecharge.

08. TKTS

There’s always the classic approach: the famous TKTS booth! The four locations in New York are South Street Seaport, Downtown Brooklyn, Lincoln Center, and Times Square. Simply visit one of these booths for same day discounted tickets. Unfortunately some of the most popular shows (like Hamilton) will not be available. Prices and availability change daily, so sometimes the TKTS booth can be hit or miss!