Finding discount theater tickets in NYC
The number one question we get at Maxamoo is where can I find discount theater tickets? On this episode of Maxamoo’s New York Theater Podcast, three frequent theatergoers, Lindsay, David, and Jack, share their hints, tips, and secrets for finding discount theater tickets in New York City.
The market for New York City theater tickets is hard to predict and changes frequently. Our recommendations are based on our personal experiences and we don’t guarantee that these services will work for you. In fact, our discussion comes with a warning: Be weary when buying theater tickets, scams abound especially online. Even legitimate ticketing sites can be confusing and many jumble discounted tickets with full price and full price plus tickets so it is easy to be deceived.
If you have other suggestions for finding discounts or any questions about discount tickets, you can find us on Twitter at @maxamoo.
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Finding discount theater tickets in New York City
1. Purchase tickets from the Theater Development Fund
TKTS – discount ticket booths in Times Square, South Street Seaport, and Downtown Brooklyn (no membership required)
TDF Membership – online discount tickets
$5 discount off TDF membership
Off-Off@$9 ($9 tickets to Off-Off-Broadway theater, no membership required)
2. Get discounts directly from theaters
Theaters often offer special discounts through their e-mail newsletters and to their followers on social media, so “like” theaters on Facebook and “follow” them in Twitter. Many theaters also offer subscription and membership programs for discount tickets.
3. Use a discount code online, on the phone, or in person
You can find discount codes at sites such as TheaterMania, BroadwayBox, and Playbill and use the codes to purchase discounted tickets from the official ticket selling outlets for each production.
4. Check out theater papering services, they offer free last-minute tickets
StudentRush.org – Will-Call Club
TheaterMania – Gold Club
5. Get a rush, lottery, or standing room ticket on the day of the performance
Many theaters set aside a small number of tickets to be sold on the day of the performance at a discount. The system for distributing these tickets varies, some theaters use a lottery and some restrict sales to students. These websites explain the general and student rush, lottery, and standing room ticketing policies for theaters in New York City.
Talkin’ Broadway – Rush Board
Broadway Spotted – Rush Report
6. Experiment with discount ticket sites and apps such as Goldstar and TodayTix
7. If you qualify, join a young patrons club at your favorite theater
Playwrights Horizons – 30 Under 30
Lincoln Center – LincTix
Roundabout – HipTix
MTC – 30 Under 30
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