Booking Broadway Tickets

THEATRE · UNITED STATES

Booking Broadway Tickets

Where to sit, pricing tiers, lotteries and avoiding resale markups

Broadway tickets vary enormously in price for the same performance, and a few booking habits make the difference between a reasonable seat and paying several times face value for a worse one.

Buy from the official channel

Book through the show's own site or the authorised ticketing agent. Resale sites appear high in search results and sell the same seats at a substantial markup, which people pay without realising the official sale is still open.

Compare the final price at checkout rather than the headline, since fees are added late.

Where to sit

Front orchestra is closest and not always best, since you look upwards and lose the stage picture. Centre orchestra from a few rows back, and the front of the mezzanine, are generally the best seats in the house.

Rear mezzanine is considerably cheaper and fine in most Broadway houses, which are smaller than people expect. Check the theatre's seating chart for partial view seats, which are legitimate and should be priced accordingly.

Lotteries and rush

Most shows run a digital lottery and many offer rush tickets on the day, both at a fraction of standard prices. Entering the lottery costs nothing and takes a minute.

Standing room is available at some theatres for sold-out performances and is the cheapest way in.

Timing

Midweek evenings and matinees are cheaper than Friday and Saturday nights with the same cast. January and February are the quietest and cheapest months.

Cast

Understudies perform regularly and are frequently excellent. Theatres are not obliged to guarantee a specific performer, so book for the show rather than for one name.

Planning the evening

Theatres in New York are close together and restaurants nearby fill before curtain. Book a table earlier than feels necessary, or eat afterwards, since pre-theatre service is rushed.

Check whether the theatre has bag restrictions and allow time for security.

Accessibility

Accessible seating and captioned or audio-described performances are booked through a separate route and allocations are small. Contact the theatre directly and book early, since these dates are scheduled well in advance.

Off-Broadway and previews

Off-Broadway productions are considerably cheaper, played in smaller houses and frequently excellent. Preview performances before opening night are also discounted.

Both are worth considering if a specific show is beyond budget, and previews are frequently the same full production at a considerably lower price.

Practical

Check the running time and whether there is an interval before booking dinner. Arrive early, since latecomers are held until a suitable break.

Check age guidance for anything you are taking children to.

WHERE TO BUY

Ready to shop Broadway Direct? Use the link below to visit the official store.

→ Shop Broadway Direct — official site

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