Your first Broadway ticket marks the start of an unforgettable experience. Broadway isn’t just a theatre—it’s the heart of live storytelling, where every show brings the city to life in a way you won’t find anywhere else. But where do you start?
Buying your first Broadway ticket is a lot like getting tickets to a big concert or a sporting event—you’ve done this before, so you’ve got this! A theatre, though, is a little different than an arena, and just like any hot-ticket event, you want to make sure your ticket is official. From when you go to where you sit, a few small choices can make a big difference—but don’t worry, whether you’re after a bargain, a prime view, or a little bit of both, there’s something for everyone.
In this video—the second in our Broadway 101 series—Broadway Inbound’s leadership team—Allison French, Jered Fournier, and Fatima Figarola—share their insider knowledge to help you navigate Broadway ticketing. They’ll break down the different seating areas, where to buy tickets, and how to score discounts. And they even filmed this video from a dressing room inside a Broadway theatre—talk about insider info!
This transcript has been lightly edited for clarity and readability.
Allison: Hi, I'm Allison. I'm the Senior Director of Broadway Inbound.
Jered: And I'm Jered. I'm the Director of Sales.
Fatima: I'm Fatima. I'm the Director of Operations.
Allison: Together we have over 50 years of experience working on Broadway. And we're backstage on Broadway today. We wanted to share some tips with you on how to book Broadway shows, and how to make the most of your trip to New York City, so that you can have a great experience when you come visit us.
Where should I sit? What are the best seats for a Broadway Show?
Allison: It's all about your personal preference, just like a seat on an airplane. The orchestra seats are all on the main level of the theatre, and the mezzanine and the balcony would be up flights of stairs. The mezzanine level does overhang the orchestra. So, really, pick a seat that makes sense for your budget and you feel like is going to be a good experience for you.
Most of the theatres are a lot smaller than people expect them to be. So, the seats are all designed to be nice and close to the stage. You'll get a great seat no matter where you are.
Are there days when tickets are less expensive?
Fatima: Weeknights are definitely the best. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursday nights are usually at a lower rate. If you have a group of 10 or more, you could definitely get a group discount. And there's many price points at the theatre, so there's something for everyone.
Should visitors buy tickets at the TKTS booth or in advance?
Jered: I would definitely recommend booking the tickets in advance as part of the trip, especially if there's a particular show that you want to see.
A lot of the popular shows do sell out in advance and are never going to be available at the last minute at the TKTS booth. It can be an option if you really don't care what show you see and you just want to get a low price and don't mind waiting in line. But in my opinion, why do you want to waste your valuable sightseeing time waiting in a long line? And then when you get to the front, the show you want isn't available! Book in advance. Then, you can make your dinner reservations, figure out where you're going to get drinks after the show. You already have your seats. It's a much better experience on Broadway.
And there are a lot of websites like the Broadway Collection that can help you choose the show that's right for you.
What's the best way to buy tickets and do visitors get special deals?
Allison: There's lots of different ways to buy Broadway tickets, and there's a price point for everyone. So, no matter what your budget is, you can usually find a price point that makes sense for what you're looking for at a Broadway show. Buying from an official source for tickets is the best piece of advice I can give you.
The show's website usually will tell you the right place to go to buy, but you can also go to the box office directly to purchase tickets. You can go to the TKTS booth to purchase same day tickets. You can also use travel providers to purchase tickets as well. However, the biggest thing I would say is that if you know what show you want to go see, buying those tickets in advance, so that you don't have to worry about it when you arrive in New York, will ensure that you're going to have those tickets and that you have a great time on Broadway.
How do group tickets work?
Fatima: It's usually for 10 or more, so you could get a discount. Many shows offer a complimentary ticket after you purchase a certain amount. And don't forget, we also offer workshops where you can meet an artist or do a Broadway rehearsal.
Can visitors work with travel companies to book Broadway tickets?
Jered: Yes, there are a lot of travel companies that can help you book Broadway.
Many tour operators or travel agents do group tours that build a Broadway show into the itinerary. So, if you're booking with one of them, you've got it as part of the trip. There are many online travel companies and even your local travel agent that can sell you a Broadway ticket, and that is a totally legitimate way for you to buy your seat in advance from your trusted travel professional and your travel provider.
If you're traveling as a group and you want to arrange the tickets on your own, you can work directly with Broadway Inbound and book anything above the group minimum. There are a lot of options, but we definitely want travelers to feel comfortable booking the Broadway show as part of their trip.
Explore the Broadway Inbound website to discover the exciting array of shows currently on stage and those debuting soon. For those interested in group tickets, Broadway Inbound offers assistance with discounts and seating arrangements, along with expert advice. Contact us for a seamless experience. Your seat for a spectacular Broadway outing is just a call away!