How to get to the best Broadway shows in New York almost for free

Almost every Broadway show can be reached at an attractive price. One way to do this is to try your luck by playing the lottery. If you're lucky, then a ticket to a good show venue with a huge discount is yours. How to seize such a chance is said on the website. Free Tours by Foot.

Broadway is a vibrant show, live stars, magnificent productions and unforgettable stories. Spectators from all over the world come to see these musicals. Their legendary names are heard even by those who are not fond of musical theater. Moreover, many want to visit New York just to see the Broadway show with their own eyes. And this is not surprising, because it was Broadway that became a household name and a dream for millions.

Next, we will talk about how to get tickets for a Broadway show, while decently saving.

Broadway Lotteries

For those who want to attend the Broadway show while saving money, you should pay attention to special lotteries that allow you to win a discount on tickets.

It is worth noting that not all Broadway shows participate in such promotions, and you are unlikely to be able to win a ticket to the most popular shows, although such a chance should not be ruled out either. In any case, if you are lucky, you will visit an iconic place, while saving up to 50% of the ticket price, or even more - for some shows, lottery tickets cost $ 10 with a full entrance cost of several hundred dollars.

There are two types of lottery tickets in New York.

One of them is a digital online lottery system that you can access daily through a website or app to be able to buy discounted tickets.

The other is a face-to-face lottery where you wait in line at the box office for a specific show you want to watch.

Next, we will consider each option in detail.

Online lotteries

Access to digital lotteries is through a website or mobile application, so you will need access to a computer, smartphone or tablet.

Four companies currently own digital lotteries: Broadway Direct, Lucky Seat, Telecharge, and TodayTix. Each lottery is held by each company independently of each other. In addition, not all shows participate in the lottery system, so it’s better to have several show options that interest you.

You can participate in lotteries as many times as you want. But you can only win at one of the shows in the time interval you specify.

On the subject: How to become your own in New York and hunt for tickets to Broadway shows

For example, if you participate in the lottery for Hamilton and Wicked, and both performances take place in one evening, you can win only one of these shows in this time interval.

Nevertheless, you have the right to win tickets to various shows if their time does not coincide: for example, for the morning and evening shows.

Tickets usually cost from $ 30 to $ 49 and vary depending on the show (Hamilton costs only $ 10).

There is no fee for participating in any digital lottery, so the indicated price is equal to the one that you will pay only if you win.

When is it better to take part in the lottery

Usually you can take part in the lottery 24 hours before the show.

Check the rules of the lottery with each operator of the digital lottery. However, one rule is the same for everyone: you must be 18 years old.

Some shows offer the opportunity to participate in the lottery through their website or lottery application.

How to find out if you won tickets

You will be notified by email of any result. If you win, you will be sent an email with information to pay by credit card. Important: You will have 60 minutes from the receipt of the notice to purchase tickets. Seats are allocated at the discretion of the box office and cannot be transferred to other persons.

After payment and receipt of payment confirmation, you can pick up tickets at the box office at least 30 minutes before the start of the performance. Be sure to present a valid photo ID.

You can also find out if you won a discount through Broadway Direct or Lucky Seat by visiting their sites. Additional information on the lotteries of these two companies can be found on their websites: Broadway direct и Lucky seat.

If you used Telecharge or TodayTixCheck the information on the individual show lottery website.

On-site lottery participation

Some shows also give tickets directly to the venue 2 or 2,5 hours before the show. To participate in the competition, you must appear in separate ticket offices, which usually open at 10 in the morning for entry. Thus, you can buy tickets at prices ranging from $ 25 to $ 35.

Each lottery can be held according to its own procedure. Details should be specified in advance at the box office of this theater. For example, some shows only accept cash for lottery tickets.

Each person can enter their name once. You can get up to 2 tickets per name. If there are two of you, it is recommended that everyone take part in the lottery - this will double your chances of winning.

For more information on personal lottery shows, visit Broadway for Broke People and Broadway World.