Unlike box seats at a stadium, concert, or arena, theater box seats are often discounted – there may be sightline issues that cut off certain areas of the stage, or nearby sound or electric equipment that obscure the views. But a box seat isn’t always a bad seat. It can also be a fun and unique (not to mention cheaper!) way to see a Broadway show. Here’s all the ticket information you need to know if you’re interested in these seats:
What Are Box Seats?
Box seats, also called loge seats, are private boxes of seating areas located on the sides of Broadway theaters that contain a limited number of seats – often just 5 seats or less. In movies, these luxury boxes are often shown as the best seats in the house (just think of Julia Roberts watching the opera in Pretty Woman), but in actuality, they are often cheaper than other locations in the theater. Some shows don’t sell these tickets at all while others reserve them for rush or lottery ticket winners or sell them at a steep discount. But box seats have their upsides too. They offer patrons unique views of both the stage and of the audience, and it can be a fun way for a family or group of friends to see a show. Who doesn’t like to sit in their own private box?
In some shows, the actors even interact directly with guests in box seats. In Ragtime, the actor playing Harry Houdini performed a magic trick where he would disappear and reappear in the box seats. And in the most recent Broadway production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Hedwig repeatedly addressed the patrons seated in one of the boxes.
How To Get Box Seats
Your first port of call should be Telecharge, Seat Geek, Ticketmaster, or whatever outlet you are using to buy tickets. If box seats are on sale, they will be shown in the seating chart. Here’s an example from the Music Box Theatre, which shows the box seats to the left and right of the orchestra section. But many shows don’t list their box seats online. If that’s the case, your best bet is going straight to the theater’s box office and asking. Box office hours can be found on each show’s individual website. Some shows may have these reserved for rush and lottery winners, while others may not fill them unless specifically asked, but the box office will have the most up to date information on each show’s ticket policy.
What Are the Best Seats in the Theater?
If the best seats in the theater aren’t box seats, what are they? Orchestra seats – those are the seats located on the main floor nearest the stage – tend to be preferred, and center orchestra seats usually go for the highest price, followed by seats in the front mezzanine. In fact, front mezzanine seats are often better than the rear orchestra section due to the overhang. Rear mezzanine and balcony seats are generally sold at a cheaper ticket price.
It varies by show, venue and personal preference, but most people opt to sit close to the stage in the orchestra section, but not so close that you can’t see all of the action – so rather than looking for a seat in Row A, try to grab a ticket five or six rows back. Sometimes these seats are referred to as “premium seats,” and they are generally the best seats in the house. If they are sold out online, some concierge and brokerage services are able to help, often for an extra fee or service charge. And most theaters are able to accommodate accessibility requirements and have elevators and accessible bathrooms. For specifics, call the theater with any questions.
What are House Seats?
House seats are not on sale to the general public. These seats – most often in premium locations – are held back for the show’s creatives, cast, producers, and other people associated with the show. But it’s worth checking with the box office as any unused seats are released to the public a few days in advance. So even sold-out shows can suddenly have great seats become available at the last minute.
Other Unique Broadway Seating Options
Sometimes Broadway shows entirely redo a theater’s seating space for a better viewing experience. Instead of a traditional orchestra section, the recent Broadway production of Here Lies Love sold standing seats on the main floor and seated seats in the mezzanine, creating a nightclub experience with the actors moving amongst the audience. The set designer David Korins said in Variety that “’Here Lies Love’ [was the] most ambitious piece of theater I’ve ever done.” Some shows offer on-stage seating for a more immersive experience – recent examples include Network, Spring Awakening, and Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812. The current production of Cabaret transforms the theater into the famous Kit Kat Club – in addition to the unique staging, the production includes optional amenities like a VIP stage-side dining experience.
How to Get Cheap Broadway Tickets
Check the TKTS website or go to the in-person booth in Times Square; just look for the big red steps at 47th Street and Broadway. The booth offers guests tickets to Broadway, off-Broadway, off-off-Broadway, and other special events for up to 50% off!
Many shows offer rush and lottery tickets. To find out what shows are offering these deals, head to Telecharge’s Lottery and Rush website, Broadway Direct, Lucky Seat, and TodayTix. Even popular shows like Merrily We Roll Along, Sweeney Todd, Wicked, Hamilton, and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child offer rush and lottery options. Read our article on Broadway Lottery Tickets for a quick list of available options!
Read our article on Discount Broadway Tickets for more tips and tricks on how to save money, including upcoming events like New York City’s Broadway Week, which offers 2-for-1 Broadway tickets.
