BWW Blog: Kellie Williams - Broadway on a Budget

Broadway shows are amazing, and if I could I'd see one every day. But since I'm a student on a budget, I have to keep my eyes peeled for more cost effective ways to see theatre in NYC. Here are my tips:

1. Keep an eye out for special deals!

If there's a particular show you're interested in seeing, stay updated through their website or social media to see if they're offering discounts. Sometimes, shows will offer deals that seem too good to be true. For Valentine's Day, Significant Other offered two tickets for $50, so my sister and I saw it (and loved it!). Last April, Shuffle Along sold every ticket in the theatre for $40 as a fundraiser for the Actors' Fund, and we saw (and loved) that too! Admittedly, this kind of crazy deal doesn't happen all that often, but that's all the more reason to stay updated! There are also great email newsletters like the Broadway Fan Club, Broadway Discounts, Broadway Direct, and Broadway Box to let you know about upcoming deals. Manhattan Theatre Club also has a great opportunity for people under 30-all you have to do is sign up on their website to get emails about $30 tickets to their shows.

2. Rush Tickets!

Rush tickets are Broadway's best kept secret, at least to me. They are Broadway lotteries' more reliable counterpart. I only found out about this policy last year, and it's how I saw The Color Purple and Great Comet, and I had awesome seats for both shows, which was lucky because seating depends on what's available that day at the box office. Certain shows-a lot more than you might think-offer rush tickets, which can be purchased at the box office on the day of the show, usually when the box office opens. Policies vary by show, so it's best to check a specific show's website or social media for information on their ticket policies, but for a general overview of shows both current and upcoming, check out the Broadway for Broke People website. It lists shows alphabetically and includes their lottery and rush policies.

3. Broadway in Bryant Park!

Broadway in Bryant Park happens every summer and is absolutely free! Starting in July, cast members from current Broadway and Off-Broadway shows go to Bryant Park at 12 pm on Thursdays to perform songs. It's hosted by the radio station 106.7 Lite FM, and it's a really great way to spend a summer afternoon. I know it's a little far off, but keep it on your radar for your summer plans!