Broadway on a Budget!

I fell in love with Broadway while attending Binghamton University, where I learned of the magical powers of my Student ID. When presented at Broadway box offices, I could purchase highly discounted tickets (also known as rush tickets) for shows! So, I jokingly say I had to schlep all the way to Binghamton to find Broadway. Over a decade later, I’ve attended over 300 performances, rarely paying over $60 a ticket, and have found a loving and supportive group of people within the theatre community.

Serendipitously, after presenting a talk about the history and importance of the 140 year old Broadway Playbill while working at Stony Brook University, I began speaking at libraries across Long Island. In addition to talking about the significance of the Playbill, I began divulging a plethora of money saving tips on how to attend theatre on a budget. Now, with the help of Zoom, I’m able to reach a broader audience across the tri-state area with the goal of encouraging patrons to support the arts by taking advantage of their proximity to Broadway and beyond.

With Broadway abuzz and the 77th Annual Tony Awards right around the corner, now is the perfect time to see some stellar new Broadway productions from this past season. For example, all five of the nominated best musicals vying for the coveted award offer tickets ranging between $30 to $50 via rush and lottery tickets. What this means is a limited amount of same day rush tickets can be purchased at the box office and you can also try your luck with lottery tickets online, usually a day prior to the performance. Just like the New York lotto, you’ve gotta be in it to win it! For a complete list of shows offering rush and lottery tickets visit bwayrush.com.

Now, the icing on the cake of a Broadway experience doesn't occur in the theatre but instead after the show at the stage door. This is where memories are made and friendships are born! If you’re lucky enough, while waiting at the barricades with fellow theatre fans, you might get the chance to have a little meet and greet of your own with the cast. Most of the time I will ask for an autograph on my Playbill, which then becomes a keepsake souvenir, or request a quick selfie and share how meaningful their performances were and the work they do are to me. Who knows, maybe I’ll see you at the stage door!

To learn more about me, my talks, and how to attend them, visit my Facebook and/or Instagram accounts. Thank you for your time.