Broadway tickets are more in demand than ever—and often come with steep price tags. But if you’re a theatre fan who wants to see shows without draining your bank account, there are plenty of ways to score affordable tickets.
This guide will show you how to find cheap Broadway tickets in 2026 using lotteries, rush, ticket memberships—and Theatr app, the easiest way to get last-minute Broadway tickets at or below face value.
1. Broadway Lotteries
Most Broadway shows run daily or weekly digital lotteries where you can enter for a chance to buy tickets for about $40–$60 depending on the show. Simply enter your name, contact info, and whether you’d like one or two tickets. Winners are notified by email the day before the show with instructions to purchase.
Where to Enter: The Broadway lotteries are split up over three sites: Telecharge, Broadway Direct, and Lucky Seat. On Telecharge and Broadway Direct you can enter the day before the show. On Lucky Seat you can enter for the following week all at once.
Seat Locations: Lottery seats could be anywhere in the theater, from partial view to front row, but you won’t know your seats until after you pay for the tickets.
Drawbacks: Lotteries are popular and competitive, so they’re not always reliable. If you want a guaranteed ticket, the lottery may not be your best bet.
2. Rush Tickets and Standing Room
Many Broadway shows release day-ofrush tickets when the box office opens at 10 a.m. (or 12 p.m. on Sundays). Rush tickets usually cost $40–$50 depending on the show and they must be purchased in person; they’re sold first-come, first-served to those who line up outside the theater.
Tip: Popular shows can draw lines as early as 3 a.m.—arrive early if you want a shot. Rush tickets are limited so if you’re too far back in line they may run out before they get to you. Every person in line can buy up to two tickets.
Seat Locations: Like lottery, rush seats could be anywhere in the theater and you won’t know where until you buy the tickets.
Standing Room: If a performance sells out, some theatres offer standing room tickets (usually $30–$45). These allow you to stand at the back of the orchestra to watch the show.
3. TDF (Theatre Development Fund) Membership
The Theatre Development Fund (TDF) offers a yearly membership that unlocks discounted Broadway and Off-Broadway tickets. In order to join, you need to apply and get approved through meeting one of the eligible criteria.
Who is Eligible: Students, teachers, union members, people under 30, retirees, arts professionals, and more. Check out the full list on the TDF website.
Membership Cost: $42 annually.
Ticket Cost: Broadway seats typically cost around $60 through TDF. Not all Broadway shows will be available on TDF at all times.
4. TKTS Booth
The TKTS Booth is an in-person booth in the middle of Times Square where you can get day-of discounted tickets to Broadway shows.
How It Works: Line up at the red steps in Times Square to buy same-day discounted tickets. Tickets must be bought in person and cannot be purchased online.
Selection: Not all Broadway shows are available, and inventory changes daily. Download the TKTS app to preview what’s on sale before heading to the booth.
Tip: Like rush, this line can also get quite long so make sure to get there early.
5. Theatr App
But if you’d rather skip long lines and daily lotteries, the Theatr app is the quickest and easiest way to get cheap Broadway tickets in 2026.
Theatr is a resale platform where Broadway fans can sell tickets that they can’t use for the price they paid or less—and sometimes even free!
What Sets Theatr Apart?
AuthenticResale: Sellers upload a proof of purchase showing the price they paid so you can always be sure you’re getting a good deal.
Smart Notifications: Tell us your preferred shows and price range and get alerts when tickets drop within your budget.
Flexibility: Perfect for locals and frequent theatre-goers who want reliable, last-minute deals without the hassle. No membership or waiting in line required. Now you can snag cheap tickets from anywhere and for any day. (pick one)
With Theatr, you can get Broadway tickets at up to 100% off retail price—all from your phone.
👉 Download Theatr today and never overpay for Broadway tickets again.
