I’ve won the Hamilton lottery 4x!
I live in Manhattan. I’ve gone through stages where I rarely went to see shows on Broadway, but that’s all different now. When I’m not traveling, I am trying to go see Broadway shows at least once a month, and so far it’s been an amazing addition to my life.
And I can’t remember the last time that I paid more than $50 for Broadway tickets!
So let me share some of my resources. This is not an exhaustive list of how to score cheap Broadway tickets – instead it is what works for me.
Lottery and Rush Tickets
Online or on line, that is the question.
Online. There are a few different websites where you can enter to win the right to purchase one or two tickets, usually for the day of the performance or the following day. For example, today I won the right to purchase two tickets to see tomorrow’s matinee performance of Life of Pi for $45 per ticket via the Telecharge online lottery (see link below). A few months ago, I won $35 tickets to see Six via the Broadway Direct online lottery (see link below). We had box seats!!!
Can’t beat $35 box seats at Six
In Person. The box office at many of the theatres have live lotteries or sell standing room only (SRO) tickets the day of performances. This is how I bought tickets to see Parade a few weeks ago – I waited on line at the theatre before the box office opened and purchased SRO tickets for $45.
A few weeks ago, I waited on line to buy SRO tickets to see Parade
BROADWAY DIRECT LOTTERY (link)
TELECHARGE LOTTERY AND RUSH (link)
TODAY TIX (link) (note: need app)
The lottery for Shakespeare in the Park is also on Today Tix.
Today Tix sells discount tickets to shows in many cities worldwide. It also has rush and lottery tickets on the app. Sometimes there are lotteries for free tickets to the Public Theatre, including Shakespeare in the Park in the summer.
Hamilton (link)
We’ve been in the room where it happens four times!
Hamilton is the only show that I’m aware of that has it’s own app and lottery. The lottery is for all of the cities in which Hamilton is performed, not only New York City. If you win, the ticket is $20 and the seats are usually in the first row or two! Don’t be disillusioned if you don’t win – my boyfriend and I have won tickets four times over the years.
Other Resources
TKTS (link)
Many people – often visitors will line up to buy discount day of theatre tickets at TKTS – usually at the Times Square location (but there are other locations, such as Lincoln Center, as well). TKTS prices are up to 50 percent off, so the price is usually more expensive than Lottery or Rush tickets. I can’t remember the last time I bought from TKTS, but it is a popular option for visitors.
TDF Membership (link)
TDF (the organization that runs TKTS) also has a membership for $40 per year, but there are eligibility requirements. TDF has tickets to Broadway and Off-Broadway shows and other performances on limited dates, with prices less than $60 (but generally about $10 -$20 more than most lottery or rush tickets). I usually find TDF to be hit-or-miss, but was pleasantly surprised today to see ticket availability for 16 Broadway shows on the website.
There’s nothing like live theatre. Enjoy!
A New York frequent flyer who elegantly combines her passions for worldwide travel, running a gazillion marathons all over the globe and staying fit ... without sacrificing her fancy for good wine and food.
Do you have any experience on the quality of seats you get from the digital lottery vs going to the window for rush tickets. I got tickets for the Wiz via the digital lottery but they also have in person rush available, so I wonder if those who go to the box office get better seats, especially since digital lottery isn’t assigned until an hour before the show. Thanks !!
I’m sorry but I don’t know. I think each show is different. With some you get the front two rows (Hamilton) with others you get limited view seats, with others you can get anything. I’ve always gotten orchestra.