In 1996, Jonathan Larson’s “Rent” transformed Broadway both on and off the stage. When it opened at the Nederlander Theatre, the show sold tickets for the first two center orchestra rows for just $20 each. Larson wrote his groundbreaking musical for an audience who might not have the means to pay Broadway prices, so selling a set of affordable seats helped at least some of them to get in.
But when fans began sleeping on 41st Street to be first in line for rush tickets, it created safety issues; so the production team decided to implement a lottery system instead. Thus, the Broadway ticket lottery was born.
This practice allows theatergoers to score discounted tickets to popular shows via random drawing. Though the tradition began with “Rent,” over time, it became a standard method for productions to gain a wider reach and foster community.
How do Broadway lotteries work?
Rules and procedures vary from show to show, but the general concept is the same: Fans enter their names into a drawing for a chance to purchase discounted tickets; this can happen online, in person, or both.
An iconic example is the #Ham4Ham lottery, which evolved from a business practice to a show-within-a-show. Established by Lin-Manuel Miranda for his wildly popular “Hamilton,” the lottery offers fans the chance to win $10 front-row seats to each show. But it became more than that: Each drawing features live performances by cast members and guests outside the Richard Rodgers Theatre, transforming it into a unique Broadway tradition.
Broadway lotteries operate on a subject-to-availability basis, so the number of tickets and seating locations vary. Still, a huge discount on a Broadway show is more than worth the effort.
Though the process is pretty straightforward, it’s essential to follow each show’s specific instructions. Here’s a step-by-step guide to navigating the process:
1. Research the show. Visit the official website of the production you’re interested in to find out whether they offer a lottery and to get details on the entry process. If you want to take things up a notch, check out B’way Rush, which lays out rush ticket and/or lottery information for every current show on Broadway, including prices and relevant links.
2. Input your information. You’ll need to create an account—or at the very least, provide a few personal details—on the show’s website or app in order to enter the lottery and receive notifications.
3. Enter the lottery. Follow the instructions to submit your entry. For example, the “Hamilton” lottery opens at 10 a.m. on Friday and closes at 12 p.m. the following Thursday before the next week’s performances.
4. Wait to receive a notification. If you win, you’ll get an email or text notification with instructions on how to purchase your ticket(s).
5. Claim your ticket(s). Follow the provided link to buy your seats within the specified time frame. If it’s an in-person lottery, arrive at the theater on time with a valid ID.
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The outcome largely depends on luck; but there are strategies that can narrow the odds.
- Enter multiple lotteries. The more you try, the higher your chances of winning. Keep an eye on several shows, and enter their lotteries regularly.
- Choose less popular times. Weekday performances (especially matinees) often have fewer entrants compared with weekend shows.
- Set reminders. The time window is typically short for lotteries, so set notifications on your phone to ensure you don’t miss the entry period.
- Follow shows on social media. Productions occasionally offer special promotions or additional lottery opportunities through their social channels.
