As a college student, there are many things I want to do while I do not have too many adult responsibilities. I like to go to movies, travel, and experience new things like anyone else, but this can be hard to do on a budget. We know that #brokecollegestudent status, all too well. One of things I love to do is go into New York City to see a Broadway show. As everyone knows, Broadway is the real deal in theater, but it can be expensive. I have learned a few Broadway hacks along the way to save money.
First, there is the TKTS booth in Times Square. This is run by the Theater Development Fund. They have a select number of shows at a discount for performances that day. The booth opens at 10 a.m. for matinee performances, and again at 3 p.m. for evening shows. They have locations in Brooklyn and South Street Seaport, but their most popular and convenient booth is in Times Square near the famous red steps.
I have heard mixed reviews on this method of saving. The wait can take a long time and the discount may not be as much as you think. The discount depends on the show, since some shows are more popular than others. Also, depending on the demand, the show you are looking for may not be available. The TKTS booth is mostly known as a tourist spot for last minute tickets.
If you want reasonably priced tickets in advance, I suggest TheaterMania.com or BroadwayBox.com. Both websites run amazing deals for a reasonable price. They both have a variety of some of the most popular shows on Broadway such as "Jersey Boys" or "Matilda." You can buy tickets to any show through their respective website, but only certain shows have discounts. I once bought two orchestra tickets to "Les Miserables" for a little over $100. In the Broadway world, this is a steal. This is an amazing Broadway hack, if you are a planner.
If you like to be more spontaneous, I suggest “Student Rush Deals.” If this is your route, I suggest being at the box office at 10 am. My boyfriend and I used this method over winter break and were so happy with the savings. We waited outside the box office of "Something Rotten!" before 10 a.m. to get tickets. We were able to get two front row orchestra seats for $35 each. I had the biggest smile on my face because this was the best deal I ever came across in all my years of going to Broadway. Needless to say, the show was amazing, and I could literally see the actors sweating from the lights and performance. This has been my favorite, and most exciting, method of buying tickets.
I hope these Broadway hacks can help make things cheaper for my fellow broke college students and anyone else who needs to save a few bucks. Broadway shows are unlike any other theater experience in the world, and it is worth the price (a reasonable price).
