Getting tickets to a hit Broadway show can be incredibly difficult, especially if it’s a limited engagement or has been sold out for months. However, with some persistence and flexibility, it’s often still possible to score seats even when the box office is fully booked.
Check the show’s website frequently for ticket releases
Many Broadway shows release additional tickets closer to the performance date, as early buyers change plans or productions adjust seating layouts. Check the show’s official website daily, especially in the weeks leading up to your preferred date. Sometimes producers will announce ticket releases on social media as well.
Sign up for the show’s email alerts so you get notifications the minute a new block of tickets becomes available online. Be ready to jump on those tickets, as they tend to get snapped up fast!
Utilize Broadway ticket discount codes and promotions
Discount codes and promotions can provide access to previously unavailable tickets. Sites like BroadwayBox offer promo codes and deals for certain performances. You may be able to score seats at a 20-50% discount. Daily deal sites like Groupon also occasionally advertise Broadway discounts.
Similarly, look for special promotions like Kids’ Night on Broadway and Broadway Week. Participating shows release reduced price tickets as part of these programs, even if they are otherwise sold out.
Book Broadway rush, lottery, or standing room tickets
Many Broadway theaters offer unsold tickets at deeply discounted rates through rush, lottery, or standing room programs. These tickets go on sale on the day of each performance:
- Broadway rush tickets go on sale when the box office opens.
- Lottery entries are submitted 1-2 hours before curtain.
- Standing room spots are sold starting 1 hour before the show.
You’ll have to go to the theater in-person on the day you want to see the show. Arrive early, as lines can be long for hit shows. But if you’re flexible on dates and times, you stand a decent chance of getting affordable last-minute seats.
Purchase premium tickets from a ticket broker or reseller
If money is no object, premium tickets to sold out Broadway shows are usually available through ticket brokers or resellers like StubHub. You’ll pay 2-10x face value, but they can help you get into an otherwise unavailable performance.
Ticket brokers may have special contacts or access within the Broadway industry. They’re practiced at acquiring seats even when box offices claim shows are 100% sold out. Just be prepared for lofty price tags!
Consider joining fan clubs or theatre memberships
Some Broadway theaters and productions have membership programs that provide special access to tickets. Examples include:
- The Broadway Fan Club
- Playwrights Horizons Red Card Membership
- Second Stage Theatre’s 35 Below
- Lincoln Center Theater LincTix
For an annual fee, members can purchase tickets during presales or members-only windows. This can greatly improve the odds of getting seats before a show sells out.
Have friends help scout for ticket availability
The more people you have looking for suddenly available tickets, the better your chances. Ask friends to keep an eye on the show’s website and social channels in case last-minute seats open up. They may spot something you miss.
You can also request they check other potential ticket sources while you check others. Splitting up the work can help cover more ground.
Consider traveling to increase ticket availability
Can’t find tickets to Hamilton in NYC? Expand your search to touring productions in Chicago, Los Angeles, or London. Include cities like San Francisco, Washington DC, and Boston as well. Their Broadway tours may have better ticket availability than New York.
If you’re open to traveling a bit farther, you can vastly increase your odds of securing seats. Broadway shows often have long tours spanning multiple years and continents.
Book early for the most flexibility
When planning far in advance, set calendar alerts for your target show’s on-sale date. Try to book 6-12 months ahead of time if possible. Popular shows can sell out quickly once tickets are released.
Booking early provides the most flexibility in choosing performance dates, seating sections, and number of tickets too.
Consider less in-demand performance times
If aiming for a weekend performance isn’t critical, midweek and matinee shows typically sell slower than Friday and Saturday evenings. You’ll stand a better chance snagging seats on Tuesday at 2pm than Saturday at 8pm.
Holiday weeks and summers bring an influx of visitors as well, increasing competition for seats around Christmas, Thanksgiving, and July 4th.
Watch for cancellations and returned tickets
Keep checking ticket availability regularly, even for sold out shows. Patrons’ plans change, which can free up seats due to cancellations and returns.
Check the official website frequently for new seats. You may get lucky and find bookings changed the day before or morning of the performance you want to attend.
Avoid resale sites without ticket guarantees
Exercise caution when purchasing via non-reputable resale platforms. Sites like Craigslist and eBay pose risks, as tickets may be fraudulent or invalid. Only buy from authorized ticket brokers and exchanges.
StubHub and TickPick, for example, guarantee the validity of tickets sold on their sites. Illegitimate sellers often avoid platforms requiring verification.
Consider less popular touring locations
When Broadway shows launch national tours, they typically start in major markets like Los Angeles and Chicago. To increase chances, look for seats in smaller tour cities instead. Early tour stops like Appleton, Durham, or Toledo may have better availability.
You can also look for touring shows hitting your city for the second or third time. Earlier tours likely already sated some of the demand.
Explore accessible and obstructed view seating
If sold out shows have wheelchair accessible seats remaining, grab them if you have no mobility issues. The same goes for obstructed view tickets, which may have partial views but huge discounts.
You can call the box office directly to inquire about remaining accessible or obstructed view inventory not visible online.
Join Waitress’s #Ham4Ham ticket lottery
For the mega-hit Hamilton, they host a digital #Ham4Ham ticket lottery you can enter for $10. You’ll be notified if you win affordable front row seats shortly before each showtime.
It’s still a long shot, but far easier than scoring standard tickets. You can enter every lottery for upcoming performances too to increase odds.
Follow fan accounts and theatre insiders
Those deeply embedded in Broadway circles often hear early word of ticket releases or production schedule changes. Following fan accounts, theatre bloggers, and Broadway journalists can provide useful intel.
Turn on notifications from key Twitter accounts or theater-focused Instagram users so you never miss important ticket announcements.
Consider student and military rush programs
If you’re a student or active military member, never pay full price. Broadway shows offer steep discounts through rush programs reserved for students and military personnel.
Bring your active student ID or military ID to the box office shortly before showtime to receive huge savings off regular ticket prices.
Conclusion
Scoring tickets to coveted Broadway blockbusters can be a challenge. But with persistence and creativity, it’s almost always possible to secure affordable seats eventually.
Keep checking official box offices for surprise ticket drops. Take advantage of discounts, rush programs, fan clubs, and memberships. And consider flexible dates, travel, and repeat visits to increase odds.
With a savvy, multi-pronged approach, you can beat the odds and get into seemingly sold out Broadway shows. The key is having patience and being open to non-traditional options. That coveted Playbill is within your reach!