It wasn’t too long ago that buying a Broadway or off-Broadway ticket meant going to the theater’s box office. Today, the Broadway League estimates more than 80% of Broadway patrons come from out of town, and with the explosion in e-commerce, here's how to find discount theater tickets online.
Check these sites before you buy.
Onstagesavings
OK, this is a shameless plug, but these are special discounts for About.com users. Just enter “about-bway” in the code box. The deals are always changing, and these are good discounts, so it’s worth checking back regularly.
Broadway Box
Broadway Box offers tickets to all the Broadway shows, many at discount. It’s also a good source for tickets to sold-out shows, but you’ll pay a premium for those. Broadway box features tickets for off-Broadway, special events, and sports, as well. No membership is required, but if you sign up, you can get bargain alerts by e-mail.
Best of Off-Broadway
This comprehensive guide to New York’s off-Broadway scene offers tickets, discounts, show descriptions and a lot more. An excellent resource for planning the shows you want to see and getting tickets.
Theatermania
This is primarily a theater news site that also offers Broadway, off-Broadway, and off-off-Broadway discounts. You have to sign up, but it’s free. Theater Mania is a terrific source for New York, London, and regional theater news. Email alerts will come your way for weekly specials.
Playbill
An easy-to-navigate, straightforward site, Playbill.com offers excellent theater news to all visitors. With a free sign-up, you can access Broadway and off-Broadway discounts, plus news alerts and discount alerts.
Playbill’s online radio channel is a good place to get plugged into the scene before you head to New York. It features music from current and past shows, plus interviews with performers, producers, and creative teams.
Hit Show Club
This site offers ticket discounts, primarily on Broadway, but also targets the tourist market with group discounts, sightseeing offers, and hotel packages. Membership is free, and you can tailor the e-mail alerts.
NYTix
You’ll pay $4 for a 30-day membership to NYTix or $7 for an expanded membership that includes TV show and parking discounts. If it’s only theater you’re interested in, check the free sites first.