Rush tickets are deeply discounted Broadway tickets that are sold on the day of the performance. They allow people to see Broadway shows at a fraction of the regular price. Rush tickets are usually sold through lotteries, standby lines, or directly at the box office. Here’s a detailed guide on everything you need to know about scoring cheap Broadway tickets through rush.
What are rush tickets?
Rush tickets are unsold tickets that are sold at a steep discount on the day of the show. They allow producers to fill seats that would otherwise be empty and give budget-conscious theatergoers access to Broadway. Rush tickets typically range from $20-$40, compared to regular prices of $100-$200 for Broadway shows.
Not all Broadway shows offer rush tickets. It’s up to the individual productions whether they want to sell discounted same-day seats. Some shows offer just a handful of rush tickets, while others sell up to hundreds of rush seats per performance. The availability varies from show to show.
Why do Broadway shows offer rush tickets?
There are a few key reasons why Broadway productions offer rush tickets:
- Maximize occupancy – It allows producers to fill empty seats and make some money from tickets that would otherwise go unsold.
- Gain new audiences – Rush patrons tend to be younger theatergoers who may become regular customers. It helps attract new audiences.
- Boost word-of-mouth – Satisfied rush ticket buyers help spread positive word-of-mouth about the show.
- Reduce scalping – When shows sell tickets directly, it cuts down on predatory ticket scalping.
- Provide access – Rush tickets help budget-conscious fans gain access to Broadway.
So in short, rush tickets help increase occupancy, generate publicity, reduce scalping, and provide affordable access to Broadway.
How much do rush tickets cost?
Rush ticket prices vary depending on the show, but they typically range from $20 to $40. Very few shows sell rush tickets over $50. This represents an enormous discount from the regular full price of Broadway tickets, which is usually between $100 to $200.
Some factors that affect rush ticket prices:
- The regular ticket price of the show. More expensive shows tend to have higher rush prices.
- The demand for the show. More popular shows can command higher rush prices.
- The availability of tickets. Shows with more availability can have cheaper rush seats.
- Where the seats are located. Front row seats may be more than rear mezzanine seats.
Rush tickets are almost always under $50 though. Just a few examples:
Show | Rush Price |
---|---|
Hamilton | $40 |
Wicked | $30 |
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child | $20 |
The Book of Mormon | $37 |
Where can you buy rush tickets?
Rush tickets are sold in a few different ways:
- At the box office – You can buy rush tickets directly at the box office on the day of the performance. Get there early, as rush lines form hours in advance.
- Through lotteries – Many shows hold in-person or online lotteries for rush tickets. You enter for a chance to buy discounted seats.
- Standing room – Some shows sell a limited number of standing room spots at the back of the theater for around $30.
- Ticket brokers – While not technically rush tickets, brokers like TKTS offer discounted day-of tickets.
The rush process varies by show, so check the show’s website to see if they offer rush and how to purchase.
What time should you arrive for rush tickets?
For in-person box office rush, it’s important to get in line very early. Most hardcore rush patrons arrive 1-2 hours before the box office opens. So if the box office opens at 10am, some people get in line at 8am.
Earlier is always better for rush lines. While each show is different, here are some general timelines to follow for box office rush:
- 8am for extremely popular shows like Hamilton
- 7am for hot shows like Moulin Rouge or The Lion King
- 6am for most other shows
- 2-3 hours before curtain for shows that aren’t in high demand
Of course, you don’t need to get there quite that early if you don’t mind being further back in line. But arriving first thing in the morning increases your chances if you want the best seats for high-demand shows.
What are the odds of winning rush lotteries?
If you enter a rush ticket lottery, your odds of winning vary based on the show. For extremely popular shows like Hamilton, the chances are very slim – often less than 5%. But for less in-demand shows, you may have a 20-40% shot at winning the lottery.
According to one rush lottery company, here are the estimated odds of winning for some popular shows:
Show | Odds of Winning Lottery |
---|---|
Hamilton | 3% |
Dear Evan Hansen | 12% |
Aladdin | 31% |
Come From Away | 22% |
So it comes down to the popularity of the show – hot new hits have very competitive lotteries. You can enter multiple times to improve your chances.
What are the best days for rush tickets?
Your odds of getting rush tickets are better on weekdays, especially matinees. Fridays and Saturdays are the hardest. Likewise, aim for non-holiday weeks when tourists aren’t in town.
Here is a basic guide to the best and worst rush days:
Days | Availability |
---|---|
Monday-Thursday | Good |
Friday | Moderate |
Saturday | Hard |
Sunday matinees | Moderate |
Sunday evenings | Good |
Matinees almost always have better rush availability than evenings. Target Tuesday matinees for the easiest chance at rush seats.
Are rush seats good seats?
The location of rush tickets varies. At some theaters, rush seats are in the front row or far sides. At others, they are scattered throughout the orchestra. You likely won’t get the best seats in the house.
However, rush seats are almost always under $50, versus $200+ for premium locations. So you get an enormous discount in exchange for not having the optimal seat. Front and side rush seats still provide decent views.
In rush lotteries, you are assigned random seats if you win. You can sometimes get outstanding seats at a fraction of the price.
Can you choose your rush seats?
For in-person box office rush, you usually cannot pick your exact seat location. The box office will assign you whatever seats are available. However, you can request general areas like orchestra or mezzanine.
If you have mobility issues that require aisle seating, inform the box office upon arrival and they may be able to accommodate special requests.
For rush lotteries, seats are assigned randomly if you win. You do not get to select the seats.
How many rush tickets can you buy?
Most shows limit rush ticket purchases to 2 tickets per person. This ensures that more people have access to rush seats.
However, some shows allow buying up to 4 rush tickets. Check the box office policies, as a few may make exceptions for groups and families to sit together.
Can you exchange or return rush tickets?
Exchanges and refunds are not allowed for rush tickets. All sales are final. Make sure to check the performance date and time carefully before purchasing.
However, if a show is canceled due to illness or weather, you can request a refund. Bring your unused tickets to the box office. Refunds may take up to two weeks to process.
Are there ID or payment requirements?
To purchase rush tickets, most theaters require a valid photo ID that matches the name used to book tickets. Some shows only accept credit/debit cards for payment.
Make sure you bring an ID just in case. Box offices want to ensure rush tickets are being sold fairly to individual patrons.
What about fees and taxes?
There are no ticket fees when you buy rush tickets directly at the box office. However, you still need to pay sales tax, which is around 8-10% in New York City.
For third-party sellers like TKTS, there is a $6 per ticket service fee. Online lottery services also charge fees.
Can you dress casually for rush tickets?
Broadway has no strict dress code, but most patrons opt for business casual attire. Jeans and casual shirts are fine for rush tickets.
Just avoid clothing with rips/tears, large logos, or that is overly revealing. Sandals, tennis shoes, and shorts are also discouraged. While not officially prohibited, casual dress may stand out.
Semi-formal attire is suggested if you really want to blend in with the crowd. But dressing up is not required just because you have rush seats.
Conclusion
Rush tickets provide an incredible opportunity to see top Broadway shows on a budget. Just be prepared to wake up early for the best availability on weekdays. Lines and lotteries take some effort, but securing $40 seats to hot shows is well worth it.
Following these tips will set you up for scoring discounted rush tickets to even the most popular Broadway musicals and plays. So arrive early, come with a plan, and get ready to experience some of the best theater in NYC at fraction of the regular price!