Theater can be a transformative, one-of-a-kind experience for young students. But, the cost of attending a Broadway production may prevent many of them from getting through the stage door. Thankfully, many theaters are passionate about nurturing the next generation of theater-goers with highly discounted tickets. So, how do you become one of the lucky students to secure a discount?
It’s common for many theaters to offer rush options, lottery tickets, and even under-30 discounts. If you’re not afraid of getting a little creative, then you can absolutely see your favorite shows at an affordable price. So, check out this guide of tips and tricks to secure that highly coveted Broadway discount.
Why do we rush? The origins of discounted Broadway tickets
It’s very possible for students to access affordable Broadway tickets. You have to be clever and keep your schedule open, but any energetic or passionate student could absolutely see Hamilton for $10.
Discounted tickets became popular to lower the financial barrier to the arts and nurture the next generation of Broadway enthusiasts. Plus, making theater accessible to students helps cement the arts as part of the educational curriculum. Many theaters are currently trying to emphasize the importance of theater education.
Additionally, theaters want every seat in the audience to be filled! Discounted seating helps keep theaters in business and productions on Broadway for longer. Not to mention, the cast enjoys performing to a fuller house, especially to an energetic and engaged audience.
So, where does the idea of rushing a Broadway show come from? We can thank Rent for instituting discounted tickets. During the height of the show’s success, they sold the first two rows of the orchestra for a cheap $20 to those first in line at the box office.
How to get student rush tickets
If you’re willing to be part of the “rush” and wake up early, you’ll likely secure a student rush ticket at least once during the semester.
Student rush tickets are specifically set aside for students, and seat locations vary. Student rush tickets have exclusive discounts at drastically reduced prices, sometimes up to 75% off. Since there are a limited number of available tickets per performance, they get scooped up fast. But students can get lucky with Broadway plays or by going on an off time, like a weekday or Wednesday matinee.
Different theaters have different rush policies, but most offer student rush tickets as soon as the box office opens. Occasionally, some offer a rush a couple of hours before a performance.
You will need to show your student ID to purchase student tickets, and you must have cash on hand in case the tickets are cash-only. So, be sure to hit the ATM before the box office! Some shows also offer digital rush tickets on the TodayTix app, meaning you can skip the in-person lines to grab a last-minute ticket.
Any type of student can get a rush ticket: high school, college, or even a graduate student. And if you're buying two tickets, only the ticket buyer needs a valid student ID, and you can bring any guest of your choosing.
One thing to note is that many Broadway theaters are switching to a General Rush model, so almost anyone can rush for tickets.
What Shows Offer Student Rush Tickets?
The Great Gatsby
The Price: The Great Gatsby offers $25 student rush tickets.
How to get student rush tickets for The Great Gatsby: Head to the box office with a valid student ID. Rush tickets are sold on the day of the performance and are subject to availability. For the best chances of getting a ticket, get there early! You can buy up to two tickets with a valid student ID.
Where is the box office? The Broadway Theatre box office is located at 53rd Street and Broadway.
When is the box office open? The Broadway Theatre box office is open from 10am – 8pm Monday through Saturday, and from 12pm – 6pm on Sunday.
Punch
The Price: Punch offers $38 student rush tickets.
How to get student rush tickets for Punch: Head to the box office with a valid student ID. Rush tickets are sold on the day of the performance and are subject to availability. For the best chances of getting a ticket, get there early! You can buy up to two tickets with a valid student ID.
Where is the box office? The Samuel J. Friedman box office is located at 261 W. 47th Street, between Broadway and 8th Avenue.
When is the box office open? The Samuel J. Friedman box office is open from 12pm until 30 minutes after curtain on Tuesday through Saturday, and from 12pm to 6pm on Sunday and Monday.
Ragtime
The Price: Ragtime offers $32 student rush tickets.
How to get student rush tickets for Ragtime? Student rush tickets are sold at the box office two hours before the performance and are subject to availability. You can buy ONE ticket per valid ID.
Where is the box office? The box office is located at 150 W. 65th Street. It is located in the lobby of the theater - if you enter through the plaza (by the big sculpture and reflecting pool), go downstairs.
When is the box office open? The box office is open from 10am to 8pm on Monday through Saturday.
Six
The Price: Six offers $35 student rush tickets.
How to get student rush tickets for Six: Head to the box office with a valid student ID. Rush tickets are sold on the day of the performance and are subject to availability. For the best chances of getting a ticket, get there early! You can buy up to two tickets with a valid student ID.
Where is the box office? The Lena Horne Theatre box office is located at 256 W. 47th Street
When is the box office open? The Lena Horne Theatre box office is open from 10am – 8pm Monday through Saturday, and from 12pm – 6pm on Sunday.
Wicked
The Price: Wicked offers $69 student rush tickets.
How to get student rush tickets for Wicked: Head to the box office with a valid student ID. Rush tickets are sold on the day of the performance, Tuesday through Thursday only, and are subject to availability. For the best chances of getting a ticket, get there early! You can buy up to two tickets with a valid student ID.
Where is the box office? The Gershwin Theatre box office is located at 222 W. 51st Street between Broadway and 8th Avenue.
When is the box office open? The Gershwin Theatre box office is open from 10am – 8pm Monday through Saturday, and from 12pm – 7pm on Sunday.
How to get lottery tickets
Another famous way to get discounted Broadway tickets is to join a lottery. You can get Hamilton tickets for as low as $10 for the front row! There is no cost to enter a lottery, and you’re not required to purchase the tickets if you win. Most lotteries occur the day before a performance, though some offer lotteries a week in advance of the performance, which can help with planning. Usually the winner will be notified within minutes of the lottery closing. You then have a limited amount of time to complete your purchase.
There are many ways to enter a Broadway lottery–either through TodayTix, a specific show’s website, or BroadwayDirect. A few theaters have specific rules, such as being present in person to claim your tickets or having a valid photo ID to pick up the tickets. You can check out Bwayrush to see if rush or lottery tickets are available and how to claim them.
Usually, you do not get to choose your seats when you win the lottery, but you can still expect pretty great seats.
How to get discounted tickets via group sale tickets
Group sales are another fantastic way for students to get discounted tickets. Almost every Broadway show offers group rate discounts perfect for your friend group or a school field trip.
Most Broadway shows offer group sales for parties of 10 or more. However, each theater will have specific policies, so be sure to check the show’s website before booking. Group sale discounts range anywhere from $5 to $50 off the ticket, and you may even get the service fee waived.
In order to buy group sale tickets, you can submit a request online with the theater directly. You can also check out Broadway Inbound, which is a great source for group sales, offering additional special experiences and tour packages. You can then coordinate with your school’s theater department or get a friend group together to see the show.
