Off-Broadway: How to See NYC's Grand Theater on a Budget
'25.11.2022'
Nadezhda Verbitskaya
There are many non-Broadway theaters in New York. But keeping track of what's on display and what's worth your money can feel like a day's work. Writer and podcast host Lindsey Weber writes not broadway on Substack. He helps people find great off-Broadway shows that are worth your time. Lindsey was asked to share tips on how to become an expert at finding cheap tickets. Gothamist
As a rule, Broadway theater is not cheap. But, fortunately, not all theaters are on Broadway. There are many smaller theatres, production companies and shorter shows more accessible to the average New Yorker. This means that marketing budgets are also smaller. Accordingly, it can be difficult for the average New Yorker to know what shows are on and how to get tickets.
You don't have to be an experienced theatergoer to get on a show before it hits Broadway. By the time the sci-fi show gets critical acclaim from the New York Times, it may only have a few performances left. And maybe the tickets will be sold out.
Here are tips on how you can spend less and see more of NYC's great theaters.
If you've ever seen a play that you like, subscribe to the theater's newsletter
The best way to find out what's going on in New York's smaller and cooler theaters is to sign up for newsletters. Is this a great way to get early access to cheaper, better quality tickets? Yes! Sometimes when you buy tickets for a performance, the theater automatically subscribes you to their newsletter. It's usually annoying, but for movie theaters, these newsletters are the best way to let you know what's on. And send you coupon codes for big ticket discounts. In most cases, if you choose to watch the show during the preview, you can get a seat for less than $30!
On the subject: Five Ways to Get Cheap Tickets to Broadway Shows
Here is a list of theater newsletters worth subscribing to
In no particular order:
- Theater for a New Audience
- NYU Skirball
- Vineyard Theater
- New Ohio Theater
- 59E59 Theaters
- Irish Arts Center
- Roundabout Theater Company
- The shed
- The Bushwick Starr
- Manhattan Theater Club
- JACK
- St. Ann's Warehouse
- Target Margin Theater
- Ensemble Studio Theater
- Park Avenue Armory
- The Brick Theater
- The Flea Theater
- BAM
- The public theater
- La Ma Ma
- Second Stage Theater
- Lincoln center theater
- HERE Arts Center
Try to remember the name of a playwright or director of productions that you liked. Or - company name
The more shows you see, the more you'll know what you like. And when you see a particular writer, director, or theater company, you don't have to wait for a review. As a general rule, when it comes to smaller theatres, the earlier you buy your ticket, the cheaper it will be.
Here are some theater companies:
- Ars Nova
- Atlantic Theater Company
- Classic Stage Company
- Clubbed Thumb
- Elevator Repair Service
- Ma-Yi Theater Company
- Mint Theater Company
- Page 73
- Rattlestick
- The Civilians
- The Classical Theater of Harlem
- The Hearth
Have you seen more than one performance that you enjoyed during a particular theater season? Consider membership
It's expensive in the short term, but cheaper in the long term. Do you know that basic BAM membership, which costs $85 a year, gives you access to 50% of daytime theater tickets? (It also gives you $8 movie tickets.) Almost every theater has a membership option. And although they are not cheap, they are worth investing in if you plan to see all the performances for the season.
Take advantage of being young
Many theaters have programs aimed at getting young people to attend the theatre. If you've ever seen a crowd at a daytime Broadway show, you'll understand why. If you're under 35, you can see a lot of shows for $30 or less. Here are some of the best programs: Lincoln Center's LCT, Manhattan Theater Club's 30 Under 35, Second Stage Theater's 30 Under 30, Irish Rep's GreenSeats, Playwrights Horizons' 30 & Under.
Be (at least a little) online
Goldstar and TodayTix are online ticketing centers. They often sell discount tickets to shows that somehow still sell tickets at full price. So be sure to check them out before you buy to see if you're missing out on a discount.
Or be offline
If you get to the box office of an unsold Broadway show an hour or so before the doors open, there's a chance you'll get a one-day discounted seat.