How to Get Ready to See a Broadway Show

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: December 6, 2020 References

A trip to New York City is just not complete without taking in a Broadway show. With so many options and factors to consider though, the process can be intimidating. By researching your options and planning accordingly, attending a show will be a smooth and unforgettable experience.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:
Researching Your Options

1
Find out the full schedule of shows available. Some plays run for years and others for only a few months, so it is important to check out the entire list of options. The Broadway League Inc.'s website provides you with all of your options for current and upcoming available show options.^{[1]
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Research source} It also will be important to consider the following questions:
- Do you want to see a musical or a play? The Broadway League gives you the option to narrow your search for these two categories, or you can search the entire list of available shows. Clicking on their show information links also provides you with showtimes and ticket cost information.
- Are you attending the performance with children? If so, you will want to check out NYCtourist.com and consult their list of options appropriate for the younger audience. They concisely give you a variety of options.^{[2]
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2
Read reviews of the performances. This helps you to get a better understanding of the many options of plays available with which you may not be familiar and also information on the various theaters.
- Find reviews through a Google search on the topic.
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3
Find out information on theater accessibility. Theatreaccess.nyc allows you to search through show options based upon accommodation your or your guests may have from wheelchair accessibility to sign language use.^{[3]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:
Purchasing Your Tickets

1
Buy tickets as a group. Ticket options for groups of at least 12 can be found on Broadway Inbound. Group tickets can be cheaper or, at least, you'll ensure that you're sitting together.^{[4]
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Ask about discounts for senior citizens and students. Students can get discounted tickets through Tix4Students.com and StudentRush.org. It's worth checking these sites or asking directly at the box office if any discounts are offered.^{[5]
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Purchase tickets in person. There will be a box office for purchasing tickets in each theater, so stopping in on the day of the show when it opens can be a great and easy way to score a good deal. This will allow you to avoid any processing charges associated with online or telephone purchases.
4
Purchase tickets by phone. Both Ticketmaster and Telecharge offer lists of shows and purchasing options. Tele-charge (212-239-6200 or 800-432-7250) or Ticketmaster (212-307-4100 or 800-755-4000). It is possible that there may be additional fees for this service, so be sure to ask. ^{[6]
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Purchase tickets online. Ticketmaster, Tele-charge, Broadway.org, Playbill.com, and Theatermania.com are all websites with available viewing and purchasing options for Broadway performances.
6
Book tickets in advance. Purchasing tickets early can ensure that you get a great seat, and sometimes a great deal. It will certainly save on any last minute running around.
7
Purchase last minute tickets. Stop in at the theater's box office to see what is available for that day, or that week.
- Check out TKTS discount booths for same day discount tickets. Run by the Theater Development Fund, they have four locations: Times Square, South Street Seaport, Downtown Brooklyn, and Lincoln Center. This could be a great way to score a deal and support a great cause at the same time as some proceeds go back to this organization. ^{[7]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:
Planning Accordingly

1
Secure your tickets. Pick them up at the appropriate box office as soon as possible to avoid any last minute running around or confusion that may make you late for your show. You're definitely not going to want to be rushed or showing up late to a Broadway performance.
2
Figure out what you will wear. Look nice, as a Broadway show is a special event. Just make sure your dress clothes are comfortable, though—you don't want to be miserable during a long show! It's a good idea to dress in layers so you can adjust for being too hot or too cold in the theater.
- Casual business attire is considered appropriate for most plays. While it's possible that some attending the theater may wear jeans or casual shorts, this would not be considered the most appropriate of attire.
- For women, proper attire could include a skirt and top, a comfortable dress, or nice dress pants and a top. Consider taking a cardigan sweater to have something to throw over your shoulders if they are exposed or if the theater is a bit chilly.
- For men, proper attire could include comfortable dress pants or khakis and a polo shirt, or button down shirt. A blazer, nice jacket, or sweater could be brought in case of cooler temperatures.
3
Arrange your transportation method. Will you be walking to the show from your hotel or nearby restaurant, hailing a cab, using the public transportation systems? Go over how you plan to get there and how much time you will need to do so well before show time. Consider if you will need to take multiple forms of transportation to reach your destination.
- Theateraccess.nyc also provides information on public transportation to each of the plays on their website when you click on a performance title.^{[8]
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- Consult the local traffic reports such as www.nbcnewyork.com/traffic for updates on road conditions and also public transportation delays. ^{[9]
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:
Attending the Performance

1
Get organized. Organize in advance what you will need to take with you to the theater such as a light jacket, your tickets, a pair of opera glasses or reading glasses, if you need them. These are items you may want to consider bringing with you to a performance to ensure your viewing pleasure.
2
Prep your viewing companions about proper theater etiquette. Prepare children if you will be attending a performance with them. Remind them about needing to stay quiet and seated. Consider bringing some small, noiseless toys such as a favorite stuffed animal or a little figurine that can help to entertain if needed.
3
Plan to eat prior to the show. No one can enjoy a live performance if they constantly thinking about how hungry they are. Plan on having a meal prior to your performance at a nearby restaurant. NYC.com offers a list of restaurants near the theater district with reviews and the option of making reservations. Schedule in a meal before the show.^{[10]
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Arrive early. It is recommended to arrive approximately 30 minutes before the start of the show. This will allow for plenty of time to find seats, go to the bathroom, and get comfortable before showtime.Theateraccess.nyc provides information on bathroom locations, water fountains, armrest availability on seats and stair access to seating choices for your reference prior to the show.^{[11]
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Come prepared to purchase souvenirs. You may want a certain trinket to remember your amazing time, so come prepared to do so. Being prepared for souvenirs will ensure that you won't be leaving with any regrets.

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Community Q&A

Question

I'm going to see a comedy Broadway musical. I can't hear too well, so I'm very loud. How do I avoid being too loud and annoying everyone else?

Community Answer

Simply don’t speak during the performance and just enjoy it. If you laugh, that's okay, everyone else will probably be laughing too and they won't care that your laugh is loud. Just relax and have a nice time.
Question

I'm going to see the upcoming Aladdin production and this is my first time going. What can I do to prepare myself so I don't get nervous?

Community Answer

There's nothing to be nervous about! It's just like going to a movie; enjoy yourself.

Warnings

Tickets to a Broadway show can be expensive.

Thanks!
Helpful 13 Not Helpful 2
If you're going to read up on the show beforehand, avoid articles with spoilers.

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Some theaters will stop you and give a large purse or backpack a quick search before allowing you to enter. Be certain you don't carry anything too large to fit under the seat; if you do, call the theater to see if it has a coat check- so you can store your things during the performance.

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