Special Features
4 Cheap Ways Students Can See Theatre
Find all the tips and tricks you need to see Broadway shows and more on your student budget.
Here at Playbill, we know ticket prices are high. Remember: Theatre is a live medium and seatholders pay a premium for top-notch and award-winning talent to deliver live entertainment, with all the magic, dazzle, and sparkle of theatrical design. Still, it’s possible to use the system to your advantage to find affordable tickets to see theatre—from Broadway to Off-Broadway and more—especially if you’re a student.
While most Broadway shows offer a ticket lottery or general rush, there are some shows that specifically offer student rush, which requires a college or high school student ID for purchase.
Read More: WHICH BROADWAY SHOWS OFFER STUDENT RUSH?
Off-Broadway is particularly kind to students. Because shows have shorter runs, these policies are more often developed by the home theatres (Atlantic Theatre Company, 59E59, Brooklyn Academy of Music, Irish Repertory Theatre, etc.) than by the shows. (That means more opportunity for cheap tickets!) The average ticket for an Off-Broadway show is $20 per person; that’s cheaper than a movie and popcorn.
If you want access to consistent deals for Broadway, Off-Broadway, Off-Off-Broadway, and concerts, consider purchasing a TDF membership. The Theatre Development Fund is a non-profit service organization for the performing arts whose mission includes making theatre accessible to more people—that means lower ticket prices. You can save up to 70 percent on tickets for in-advance purchases. Full-time students are eligible for the membership. While membership costs $35 per year, the savings on a single Broadway ticket make it worth the price.
Click here for more information or to enroll.
Perhaps you want to enjoy a concert or cabaret. Feinstein’s/54 Below recently updated their student ticket policy. Subject to availability, student rush tickets are sold 30 minutes prior to each performance on a first-come, first-served basis and offers up to two tickets per purchaser with a valid student ID. Ticket prices are capped at $30 for 7PM shows and $20 for 9:30PM shows. (Student rush is not available for 11:30PM shows as these are already heavily discounted.) Note, the food and beverage minimum still applies, but consider this your student splurge.
For more ways to find tickets to in-demand shows and more:
5 WAYS TO FIND AFFORDABLE THEATRE TICKETS
8 WAYS TO ACTUALLY GET TICKETS TO HAMILTON
5 WAYS TO GET DEAR EVAN HANSEN TICKETS
6 WAYS TO LAND TICKETS TO THE TONY-WINNING REVIVAL OF HELLO, DOLLY!
