How To Do Broadway On A Budget

Being a student in Manhattan, one’s wallet can only stretch so far; a Broadway show is definitely going to break the bank, right? Well, turns out, certain Broadway shows offer opportunities such as “rush” and a daily lottery, creating more affordable options and chances for students to have a world renowned experience: Broadway on a budget.

Whether you’re an avid theater-goer, a secret lover of Broadway, or just someone who wants to enjoy a night out-why not have a night out and watch any of Broadway’s newest plays or musicals?

Many Broadway shows have “rush”.

Rush tickets are available when the box office opens; tickets are first come, first serve and range from $32 to $42 dollars. Depending on the show, the line for rush can be long, so plan in advance, get there early, and beat the rush!

Some shows conduct an in person lottery

The lottery commences two hours before a performance. Entries are accepted two and a half hours before a performance and often limit two tickets per person.

In person lotteries accept both cash or credit card. Make sure you have both, just in case you happen to lose your cash or your card declines. (We’ve all been there at one point. Yikes.)

The line for the lottery can be pretty long, so if you want a chance to enter your name and win some discounted tickets- I advise that you get there an hour before the lottery opens.

As students, we are often flooded with work, last minute cramming, stuDYING, or rushing to class, so time is limited; you may not have the chance to make it to enter rush or lottery.

Luckily, most shows offer the option of a digital lottery.

You can submit your entry for the lottery in the comfort of your own home, online, either through the show’s website, Lottery.BroadwayDirect.com, or an app.

For example, Hamilton conducts a lottery every performance. To take a chance at one of Broadway’s hottest tickets, download the Hamilton app or go to this site to try and win one or two TEN DOLLAR tickets. Yes, you heard that right. TEN DOLLARS per ticket.

The lottery commences at 11 am two days before desired performance and closes at 9 am the day before. For Hamilton, only 46 lottery tickets are available (and the seats are FRONT ROW ORCHESTRA!)

So, don’t “throw away (your shot)” and take a shot at seeing some of Broadway’s hits!

Shows that conduct a digital lottery are: (Anastasia, Dear Evan Hansen, The Book of Mormon, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, The Band’s Visit, A Bronx Tale (closes August 5th, 2018), Gettin’ the Band Back Together, Kinky Boots, The Lion King, Mean Girls, My Fair Lady, The Phantom of the Opera, Spongebob Squarepants, Springsteen on Broadway, and Wicked).

To find out more about rush, lotteries, rush and lottery policies, and what shows participate and or conduct a certain opportunity, visit this site.

Being a student in New York City, it is important to explore and indulge in the culture that makes New York City “the greatest city in the world” (even on a budget).  As students, we’re always ballin’ on a budget, but with such wonderful opportunities such as rush, in person and digital lotteries, students can experience the great experience that is Broadway on a budget. So grab your friends and take advantage of an awesome opportunity to see theatre done at its very best! (at an affordable price, too!)

Treat yourself; enjoy a night out at the theatre in “the Greatest City In the World”!

Which Broadway on a budget tactics have you tried? Share your experiences on the comments below, to encourage other people to save today!

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