Getting cheap Broadway tickets is all about flexibility and using a mix of early planning and last-minute deals. Here’s a practical path to snag affordable seats. What to target first

• TKTS booths for same-day discounted tickets: Times Square, South Street Seaport, Lincoln Center, and Downtown Brooklyn offer significant savings on a wide range of shows. Availability varies daily, so plan to visit in person and be ready to adjust plans if your first choice isn’t available.
• Rush and lottery tickets: Many shows release discounted rush tickets or hold a lottery for same-day or next-day performances. These often require arriving at the box office early or entering digital lotteries through official apps or websites.
• Day-of discounts via apps: Platforms like TodayTix, TKTS app, and similar services frequently offer weekly or daily deals, sometimes including limited-time lotteries or rush options.
• Box-office advantage: Buying directly at the theater box office can save on service fees compared to third-party sellers. If you’re price-sensitive, you can compare the face value on the show’s official site with secondary marketplaces to gauge savings.

Strategies to maximize your chances

• Be flexible with show selection and dates: Popular shows sell out quickly at full price; being open to different titles and times increases access to cheaper seats.
• Check multiple sources for the same night: For example, a show might have cheaper seats through TodayTix or a lottery, while the TKTS booth might have different options for the same evening.
• Consider less mainstream options: Off-Broadway or newer productions often have lower prices and still deliver strong experiences; many also participate in discount programs.
• Sign up for discount programs if eligible: Discounts for students, under-30/under-40 programs, or membership-based savings can yield meaningful savings for eligible buyers.
• Avoid common pitfalls: Be cautious with resale sites that inflate prices; verify fees and seating locations before purchase, and buy from official channels when possible to avoid scams.

Practical step-by-step plan

• Pick 2–3 shows you’re genuinely excited to see and note their price ranges on the official ticket sites.
• Visit a TKTS booth for same-day options, or open the official app/website 60–90 minutes before you plan to go to gauge availability and price.
• If aiming for a popular show, try the digital lotteries or rush tickets first thing in the morning of the performance day.
• If you have a flexible itinerary, scan multiple nights in the same week to find the best balance of price and seating quality.

Quick pro tips

• Visit the TKTS booths in person for real-time inventory and sometimes the best face-value deals, but don’t rely on them exclusively—combine with digital lotteries and rush options.
• Go early to box offices for rush or same-day tickets; you may save on fees by skipping third-party platforms.
• Keep an eye on dedicated discount sites and apps for limited-time codes and promotions; they can yield 20–50% savings on select seats.

If you’d like, share a city (Broadway in NYC or another venue), your date range, and a few shows you’re interested in, and I can map out a personalized plan with the best current discount options and realistic price ranges.