For those who are new to Broadway, it’s useful to know that for the first month, a show is in what’s called “previews.” During this time, they see how the show plays to audiences and tweak the script, songs, choreography, etc. During the last week or so of previews, the show is usually “set.” Then, it has its formal opening night, reviews come out, and it hopefully plays for a long time after. Sometimes, tickets are cheaper during the preview period. I often see shows before opening night, and I’ve never been disappointed, so don’t hesitate to go during this period.

As for “Hamilton” tickets, I’m afraid I don’t have any insider tips for you, but here are some tips that you can use for most shows:

1. The farther in advance you can buy your tickets, the better. Don’t wait until you get to New York unless you’re willing to take your chances with Rush or Lottery tickets (more on those in a minute).

2. Don’t use your hotel’s concierge for tickets unless you’re trying to see a show that’s usually sold out. You’ll nearly always pay more than necessary if you get your tickets this way. (No offense to any hard-working concierge, but these are not discounted!)

3. First, check these four websites for discounts:

BroadwayBox.com (this site also has a phone app)

Theatermania.com

Playbill.com

Goldstar.com  (this site also has a phone app)

There are other sites like Broadway.com, Broadway.org, SeatGeek, and StubHub, but I haven’t found much in the way of true discounts on any of them.

4. If you come to New York often, it’s worth it to join the Theatre Development Fund for $34 a year, if you’re eligible. You’ll qualify if you’re a recent grad (26 years old or younger), a retiree, a member of the armed forces, a freelancer, or a full-time union member, student, teacher, civil service employee, member of the clergy, staff member of a not-for-profit organization, or arts professional. Every day, TDF offers discounts for Broadway, other theater, music, and dance.

5. If you aren’t eligible for TDF, but you live in/near NYC or travel to the city often, you can join Theatermania’s Gold Club for $99 per year or Club Free Time for $19.95 per year or a small fee to try it for a month. You won’t find a lot of Broadway shows on these two, but there are discounts and freebies for other types of shows (with the occasional Broadway show – usually one that isn’t selling well otherwise).

6. What about the famous TKTS line (also run by the Theatre Development Fund) at Times Square? It’s still a good option if you’re deciding on a show at the last minute, and they now take credit cards at the booths. But it’s no longer the option for the best discounts. The average half-price ticket is at least $75. That may or may not be an orchestra seat, and many of the shows are not discounted as much as 50%. You can check the list online or using the TKTS phone app. It changes daily.

7. If you’re willing to gamble, you can try for rush, standing room, or lottery tickets. Rush and standing room seats are offered the same day as the show, usually at the time the box office opens (9am or 10am). If it’s a popular show, you’ll need to get in line a couple of hours before the box office opening time, or you’ll be out of luck because they only sell a few of these tickets. Every show has its own policies, so you have to check (BroadwayForBrokePeople.com is a good resource). If you have a large party, this won’t work for you because you’re usually restricted to one or two tickets. Rush tickets offer you an actual seat (sometimes restricted view), while standing room means you’ll be given a specific spot to stand during the show.

FOR THE REMAINING 13 TIPS, PLEASE VISIT THIS LINK: http://www.tripoutontravel.com/dont-overpay-for-broadway-tickets/