WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN "BROADWAY", "OFF-BROADWAY" AND "OFF-OFF-BROADWAY" THEATERS?
It all depends on the size of the theatre, not location in the Theatre District.
"Broadway" theatres can seat more than 500 people. A good example of a "Broadway" theatre not located in the Theatre Distrcit is the Vivian Beaumont in Lincoln Center.
"Off-Broadway" theatres can seat 99 to 500 people.
"Off-Off Broadway" theatres are smaller than that. They are often called "black box" theatres because they are sometimes created out of vacated basements, warehouses, lofts, former storefronts or schools, or other unorthodox spaces, and the walls are painted black and the windows are blocked over.
HOW DO I BUY DISCOUNTED TICKETS AT THE TKTS BOOTHS?
Check out what is listed on the boards at the TKTS booths. There are three TKTS booths, both operated by the Theatre Development Fund - the newly renovated booth in Times Square, one in the South Street Seport and one in Downtown Brooklyn. ALL BOOTHS WILL NOW ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS, CASH, TRAVELLERS CHEQUES OR TDF GIFT CERTIFICATES AND VOUCHERS.
You can buy same-day tickets at all three booths. You can buy evening show tickets only after 2 pm at the Times Square Booth. Also, the Times Square location has a "plays only" window, if you don't want to see a musical.
The South Street Seaport TKTS booth opens earlier and is typically less crowded. Also, you can buy Saturday or Wednesday matinee tickets the day before the show (Fridays and Tuesdays, respectively) at the South Street Seaport and Brooklyn TKTS booths, but not at the Times Square TKTS booth. The Brooklyn booth also sells tickets to shows in Brooklyn venues, like the Brooklyn Academy of Music.
Making your TKTS purchase faster and easier:
If you have an idea what shows you'd like to try to get at the TKTS booth, try to look at the theatres' seating charts on their webpages in advance. Print them out and take them with you. When you get to the TKTS window, ask what kind of seats are available. They will tell you if they are "good" or "poor" seats, to help you decide whether it is worth it or not.
If your party does not mind sitting apart, tell the cashier to look for separate seats. Single seats are often hard to fill. You might actually get better seats!
BUYING TICKETS OVER THE INTERNET:
BE CAREFUL! Not every ticket website offers discount tickets. In fact, some websites are essentially "scalpers" - selling "premium" tickets at "premium" prices. Perhaps you might need to pay double to get perfect seats to a sold-out show, but it might not be necessary! WATCH OUT!
Here are a few resources you can check out before purchasing your theatre tickets. Use these sites for general information, seating charts and especially the discounts!!!
1. BroadwayBox.com - This site is a public site that lists discount codes for Broadway and Off-Broadway. It is very helpful if you want a discount AND want to see a specific show. You can actually choose your seats as you check out.
2. Playbill.com- This site has a comprehensive listing of all the Broadway and Off Broadway shows, including cast lists, schedules and it also has many theatre stories every day. They have a free "members only" section that also has discounts for shows, restaurants and hotels, but it is free to register.
3. Broadway.com- No ticket discounts, but has show listings, schedules, news stories, group tickets, hotel and theatre packages.
4. Theatermania.com- Show listings, schedules, news stories, discounts if you register, and ticketing information.
5. Seasonofsavings.com - Gives you a rotation of discount codes for online or box office use during the fall and winter -- for some restaurants, too.
DISABILITIES, DIFFERENTLY-ABLED PEOPLE AND GOING TO THE THEATRE:
If you are hearing impaired, have mobility issues or use a wheelchair: Most theatres are now equipped with listening enhancing devices. Arrive a little early, and let an usher know, or ask at the box office. If you use a wheelchair, please be aware that some theatres are very old and are landmarked, so they cannot be modified very much. Often, restrooms are located up or down a flight of stairs, and older theatres may not have elevators. But, most theatres will do whatever they can to accommodate you! You might be able to get aisle seats or a reserved wheelchair seating. Check the theatre websites to find about about accessibility.
THEATRE ETIQUETTE:
Please respect the actors, musicians, dancers, the theatre staff and your fellow theatre-goers by following these simple guidelines:
- show up on time, maybe even five minutes early
- be clean and hygienic, try to moderate your cologne usage
- go to the restroom beforehand (especially with kids)
- turn off cell phones, pagers and other electronic devices
- don't send IMs or email during the show on cell phones or Blackberries
- don't talk or sing along during the show
- don't kick the seat of the person in front of you
- don't bring large packages or shopping bags with you. Leave them at home, the office or at your hotel.
- and don't unwrap noisy wrappers during the performance.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO THE THEATER? IS THERE A DRESS CODE?
This is not as important as following the ettiquette guidelines above, but many people, especially firt-time theater-goers, ask this all the time.
There is no "dress code" for the theater - except for opening nights and galas - but it is well worth it to consider wearing something nice to a show. You will see people wearing a variety of styles and levels of dress to shows. The most common style of dress is "business casual", meaning slacks and a shirt with a collar for men, and slacks or skirts with a nice blouse for women. You will see people dressed more formally and less formally than that. Jeans are common. Ties are not common, but you might see a few on men coming to the theater from work.
Yes, you can and may wear sweatpants, shorts, a tank top and flip-flop sandals to a show, and no one will kick you out or refuse you. During the sweltering summers, you will notice more people wearing shorts. But remember: the actors and musicians can see you! It is appreciated when audience members dress better than they would to go to the mall.
Besides, many theaters are very well air-conditioned - especially in the summer to keep the performers from melting under the strong spolights - so consider this when selecting an outfit.
Seeing live theater can be a magical experience! Plus, it's your money. Don't be afraid to dress the part!