If you feel you have to go to New York to see a show, try an off-off Broadway or off-Broadway show. And look for those not-so-hidden discounts that are available to make those tickets more affordable.
One of my favorite discount ticket sites is www.broadwaybox.com. This site offers discount codes for Broadway and off-Broadway shows. Some restrictions may apply, but it has always worked out well for me. You can also find discount codes at websites like playbill.com and www.theatermania.com. All you have to do is present the code at the box office or to Telecharge or Ticketmaster, and you will receive the discount.
In addition to ticket discounts, some theaters offer student rush tickets or rush tickets for anyone the day of the performance. Some theaters also still offer SRO – Standing Room Only tickets. You can visit talkinbroadway.com or playbill.com for more information.
If you don’t mind waiting in line for tickets, you can always visit one of New York’s famous TKTS booths. The Theatre Development Fund operates three TKTS Booths in New York City:
1. The Times Square Booth sells day-of-performance tickets only.
2. The South Street Seaport Booth sells tickets to evening performances on the day of the performance, and matinee tickets the day before.
3. The Downtown Brooklyn Booth sells tickets to evening performances on the day of the performance, and matinee tickets the day before as well tickets to Brooklyn performing arts events.
All locations sell tickets at 50%, 40%, 30% and 20% off full price (plus a $4.00 per ticket service charge, which helps support other TDF services and programs). Availability and ticket inventory change throughout the day and at the discretion of individual productions.
The Theatre Development Fund also offers discounted tickets to TDF members. To qualify for TDF membership, you must belong to one of the following groups: full-time students, full-time teachers, union members, retirees, civil service employees, staff members of not-for-profit organizations, performing arts professionals, and members of the armed forces or clergy. When you join, you will be asked to supply TDF with proof of your eligibility. There is an annual fee to become a member (usually $30) but the TDF membership will pay for itself the first time you purchase tickets. After you join, you will immediately have access to discounts of up to 70% off full-price tickets to hundreds of live productions each year. Visit www.tdf.org for more information.
Article comments
1 - Antoinette Oliviera
Great article Cindy loaded with good tips. I will print this out for future reference. I LOVE the theater too!