How to See Cheap Theater in New York City

With tickets to Hamilton reaching exorbitant amounts of more than $1,300 per seat, the idea of cheap theater tickets in New York City might seem like a myth. If you want to see spectacular performances without breaking the bank, follow these tips.

• Visit one of the TKTS booths. With two locations in Manhattan and one in Brooklyn, the non-profit organization offers discounted tickets to Broadway and Off-Broadway shows. The booth is open daily, with discounts ranging from 20–50 percent off regular prices.
• Try your luck at the lottery or wait for rush and standing-room tickets. Many popular Broadway shows offer a select number of seats via a lottery typically held about two hours before the performance. Names are drawn at random and the lucky winners receive heavily discounted tickets. Other shows offer day-of discounted tickets. Be sure to check the theater’s website, as policies vary by performance.
• Take advantage of two-for-one tickets during Broadway Week. The annual sale occurs every fall.
• See a performance of the always-free Shakespeare in the Park during the summer.
• Go off Broadway and check out performances at Primary Stages, Atlantic Theater Company and New York Theatre Workshop.
• For reasonably priced comedy shows, check out Upright Citizen’s Brigade Theater, Magnet Theater and The People’s Improv Theater.