Discount Broadway and Off-Broadway Tickets for New York City Shows

When I was living in New York City as a fairly-poor college student, there was one thing I absolutely loved - the TKTS Booth in Times Square. Not only could I see famous Broadway shows (Proof, Annie Get Your Gun, Wicked, Avenue Q, Chicago, and others), but I could also save money in my wallet for pizza at Sbarro after the shows.

Utilizing the TKTS booth is one of the easiest things a theatre-lover can do to save time, money and experience the best Broadway has to offer. It does take a little bit of attention and arrangement of schedule to get in line in a timely manner (ensuring the best possible chance to get good seats), but it is entirely worth the effort in the end.

Before a new Broadway show is open to the public, the press is invited to the show. You can purchase your tickets to the same exact show before the rest of the world has a chance to read all of the reviews! These shows are called "previews" and tickets are sold at the TKTS booths. Most of the time, a show cuts different songs and numbers depending on "preview" reviews and fan reactions so you may get to see something that doesn't make the final cut! Playbills may also be rare because of this fact so hang onto them!

My tips: Arrive early, dress warm if you're trying to get tickets in the winter because you will be standing outside, have a first, second and third choice in case one of the shows is sold-out when you get there and have fun!

The following pertinent information can also be found on the official TKTS website: http://www.tdf.org/TDF_ServicePage.aspx?id=56

Get There Early
It's first-come, first-serve so make sure you do whatever you can to get to the TKTS booth early!

Know What You are Buying
Do your research before you stand in line by visiting www.broadway.com. This Broadway-based website is a great way to learn about all of the shows and the dates, times and stars involved with them. It's better to have a few options before you get to the ticket booth because then you won't be rushed in making your decision. Besides, a few minutes at the ticket counter could mean you lose out on the last pair of tickets available because someone else grabbed them while you were thinking!

TKTS Locations
The TKTS Booth in Times Square is located at 47th Street and Broadway. Look for the large red steps in the middle of the "Square". This booth only sells tickets to the day-of performances. The second location at the South Street Seaport is located at the intersection of Front and John Streets at 199 Water Street. Purchase tickets at this booth for same-day evening performances and matinee tickets for the next day. The third TKTS Booth is located in Downtown Brooklyn at 1 MetroTech Center at the corner of Jay Street and Myrtle Avenue Promenade. This TKTS location sells tickets for same-day performances, matinee tickets for the next day and tickets to Brooklyn performing arts events.

All three TKTS locations accept credit cards, cash, travelers checks and TKTS Gift Certificates.

Find out more information about the TKTS Booths here: http://www.tdf.org/TDF_ServicePage.aspx?id=56