Broadway shows are a popular attraction for both tourists and locals in New York City. With average ticket prices ranging from $100 to over $200, seeing a Broadway show can get very expensive, especially if you want to see multiple shows. Fortunately, there are ways to get discounted Broadway tickets and save money on this iconic New York experience. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the best strategies, resources and tips for scoring half price or deeply discounted Broadway tickets.
Timing is everything – know when discounts are available
One of the key factors in finding half priced Broadway tickets is timing. Discounted tickets tend to be available more frequently at certain times of the year. Here is an overview of when you can find the best Broadway ticket deals:
Winter months
Between January and March, after the busy holiday season is over, you’ll typically find an abundance of Broadway deals. With less tourists in town, productions look to attract more locals with discounts. Check for half price tickets during the cold winter months.
September
September is a great time for discounts when the fall season begins. Kids are back in school and vacations are over, so Broadway shows offer deals to attract audiences during this slower period.
Summer
In July and August you can score discounts, especially for shows that appeal to tourists and families. Mondays through Wednesdays are key days for deals in summer.
Off season – Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Discounts tend to be available on shows that have been running for a long time during their slower off peak days – namely Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Long-running productions are eager to fill seats midweek.
TKTS Discount Booths
One of the most well known resources for half price Broadway tickets is the TKTS Discount Booths. Operated by the Theatre Development Fund, there are three TKTS locations in NYC:
- Times Square – probably the most popular location
- Downtown Brooklyn
- South Street Seaport
TKTS sells same day theatre tickets at up to 50% off. You can get amazing deals, but keep in mind:
- Tickets are limited and on a first come first served basis
- No guarantee on seat location – you take what’s available
- Not all shows or performances available
TKTS is best for travelers with flexible schedules who don’t mind queuing up and being spontaneous. The early bird gets the worm – queues can form as early as 7am for ticket sales start time of 12pm. Fridays and Saturdays often have the longest lines.
Pro tip: Download the free TKTS app to view real time availability and ticket prices before committing to wait in line.
Broadway Box
BroadwayBox.com is a website that offers exclusive discounts on certain Broadway shows each week. You can sign up for their email newsletter to get special discount codes. With the codes, you can purchase tickets directly through the show’s website or box office and save 20-50% off regular prices.
The selection of discounted shows changes weekly based on availability. You may find only 1-3 productions on offer, so flexibility helps. Broadway Box does all the legwork to find deals for you without the hassle of lines or lotteries.
Broadway Roulette
Feel adventurous and want the excitement of a surprise show? Try Broadway Roulette. This service offers incredible deals by randomly assigning you tickets to a Broadway or Off Broadway show from their pool of partner productions.
You choose the date and category you want (front mezzanine, rear orchestra etc) and let Broadway Roulette pick a show for you. The mystery element results in insane discounts – some over 90% off! It’s perfect for theatre lovers up for anything.
Lotteries and Rush Tickets
Many Broadway shows run in-person lotteries and rush ticket policies on the day of performances. It takes some effort and luck, but you can score tickets for just $20-40 through these options.
Lotteries require submitting your name into a drawing 1-2 hours before show time for a chance to purchase heavily discounted seats. For rush tickets, you stand in line starting early morning and wait to purchase any remaining tickets for cash only.
Not all shows offer lotteries or rush seats. Check broadwayforbrokepeople.com for a list of productions currently running promotions.
Discount Codes
Some Broadway shows release online discount codes for certain seats and dates. You can find these occasionally through BroadwayBox, as mentioned above, or directly through the show’s website.
Discounts may be tied to specific email list subscriptions, ticket bundles, social promos or other marketing campaigns. It never hurts to search “[show title] discount code” and see what pops up!
Student Discounts
Full time high school and college students can score partial price tickets by registering for Student Rush programs. Programs require a valid student ID and allow students to purchase tickets on the day of the show for around $40 at box office.
There are also third party services like StudentRush.org that sell student priced Broadway tickets in advance online. Check individual show policies, as some may restrict Student Rush to same day only.
Times Square Visitors Center
Located on 7th Ave in Times Square, the official NYC Visitors Center offers discounted Broadway tickets to tourists and locals. You can purchase tickets in advance or same day for multiple shows.
Discounts can range from 25-50% off depending on the performance and availability. Their helpful representatives can also provide guidance on choosing a show if you’re unsure.
Advance Purchase
Purchasing tickets well in advance is one of the easiest ways to get lower prices, especially for popular shows that sell out quickly. Prices tend to rise closer to the performance date, so plan ahead and buy 1-2 months early if possible.
Many shows release discount ticket blocks in their slowest months for productions 6-12 months out. Check show websites for upcoming ticket on-sales.
Standing Room Only
Some productions offer discounted standing room only tickets on the day of show. These tickets allow you to watch the performance while standing at the back of the orchestra section or upstairs mezzanine. Limited standing room spots available – must arrive early to secure a space.
Buy Direct From The Box Office
Always check the official box office website and call the box office phone number before purchasing from any third party. Box offices occasionally release flash discounts and coupon codes that third party retailers can’t match. There are also no extra service fees when buying direct.
Group Discounts
Most shows offer special group rates for parties of 12 or more people. Groups can save 20-30% on regular priced tickets. Organize a group outing with friends, family, colleagues etc to take advantage of group deals.
Off Broadway Savings
For additional savings, consider shows at smaller Off Broadway theatres. Off Broadway productions tend to be more affordable with tickets starting around $50-75 on average. You can also find Off Broadway rush, lottery and discount policies similar to Broadway.
Dinner Deals
Restaurants like Joe Allen and Becco pair discounted Broadway tickets with a dining package. You can save on popular shows by booking a combo meal + ticket through these restaurants. It takes coordination but is a nice option for food and theatre.
NYC Tourism Perks
Book a NYC CityPASS, New York Pass or Explorer Pass multi attraction discount pass that bundles Broadway tickets. These passes provide admission to 6-10 NYC activities for one low price and take the hassle out of hunting for deals.
Become a Broadway Insider
Sign up for Broadway Insider email lists through the Broadway League website. You’ll gain access to exclusive ticket lotteries, presales and promotions not available to the general public. Also follow your favorite theatre productions on social media for special offers.
Conclusion
Scoring half price Broadway tickets takes a mix of advance planning, staying on top of deals and a degree of spontaneity. With an abundance of options like TKTS booths, rush tickets, lotteries and more, budget travelers can enjoy Broadway on the cheap. Use this guide to start strategizing and look out for timing when shows are most likely to offer discounts. Withpersistence and flexibility, you’ll succeed in finding those half priced gems. Enjoy the show!
Discount Type | How it Works | Savings | Downsides |
---|---|---|---|
TKTS Booths | Same day tickets sold at Downtown, Times Square, Seaport locations | Up to 50% off | Limited inventory, must stand in line |
BroadwayBox | Weekly email codes for select show deals | 20-50% off | Limited productions available |
Broadway Roulette | Random show assigned at huge discount | Up to 90% off | No choice in show |
Lotteries & Rush | Enter drawing or stand in line day of show | $20-40 tickets | Luck involved, requires effort |
January Broadway Discounts
Show | Discount | Code | Expiration |
---|---|---|---|
The Lion King | 40% Off | ROAR | 1/30/23 |
Aladdin | 35% Off | GENIE | 1/31/23 |
MJ The Musical | 50% Off | BOGO50 | 1/15/23 |
May Broadway Discounts
Show | Discount | Details |
---|---|---|
Hamilton | 20% Off | Use code HAMILT20 |
Harry Potter and The Cursed Child | 30% Off | Monday performances only |
Funny Girl | BOGO Free | Buy one full price ticket, get one free |
September Broadway Discounts
Show | Discount |
---|---|
Chicago | 40% off use code CHI40 |
The Phantom of the Opera | 25% off use code PHANTOM25 |
Dear Evan Hansen | Student rush tickets $39 with ID |
Book of Mormon | Enter lotteries at box office 90 mins prior |
November Broadway Discounts
Show | Discount |
---|---|
Into The Woods | 30% off use code WOODS30 |
Beetlejuice | BOGO 50% off use code BOGOJUICE |
Hadestown | Rush tickets available daily at box office |
The Kite Runner | 20% off use code KITERUNNER20 |