There are few things comparable to the thrill of seeing quality live theater, especially when you're in New York City. Unfortunately, with ticket prices continuing to skyrocket, many young theater lovers often feel seeing a show is just too much of a splurge. However, at theater companies across the city there are several programs and ticket discounts designed exclusively for younger audiences to experience the joys of live performance. Whether you're making a pilgrimage to The Big Apple or already a resident and just want to experience more culture, we've got a handy cheat sheet here to help you score tickets without making yourself go hungry.
Lincoln Center Theater
Location: Upper West Side
Famous Past Productions include: South Pacific, The King and I, Oslo
This Tony winning company offers $32 advance tickets to anyone between the ages of 21 and 35. All that is required is signing up for a free LincTix account online and members will have access to tickets to any show running in one of LCT's Broadway, Off-Broadway or Off-Off-Broadway theater spaces. Each individual account can only be redeemable for one ticket, but you can add another member to your order to ensure you see it together.
Roundabout Theater Company
Location: Midtown
Famous Past Productions: Cabaret, Anything Goes, She Loves Me
Specializing in star-studded Broadway revivals as well as premiering new works Off-Broadway, Roundabout offers $25 tickets to all productions through its HipTix program. Anyone between the ages of 18-35 can sign up for a free account and purchase from selected seats as soon as tickets go on sale to the general public. Members can purchase up to 2 tickets per show and will be required to show a valid ID to pick up tickets at the box office.
The Public Theater
Location: Astor Place
Famous Past Productions: Hair, Fun Home, Hamilton
One of the most prolific centers for new theatrical works in the country, The Public offers a ticket program exclusively for students interested in their productions. Anyone with a valid student ID just has to go to The Public's theater box office and they will be able to purchase $30 tickets to any performance. While the policy is only valid for performances that aren't already sold out to the general public, up to two tickets can be purchased with ID depending on availability.
Manhattan Theater Club
Location: Midtown
Famous Past Productions: Proof, Doubt, August Wilson's Jitney
Specializing in both new and classic plays, MTC offers a $30 Under 30 program, where those under the age of 30 who sign up will have the opportunity to purchase up to two $30 tickets to any of the company's Broadway or Off-Broadway productions. While tickets can be purchased in advance online, all tickets must be picked up in person at the theater box office with a valid ID.
New York Theatre Workshop
Location: East Village
Famous Past Productions: Rent, Once, Peter and the Starcatcher
A groundbreaking home for new work, NYTW offers up to two rush tickets for $25 to anybody 25 or younger at all performances that aren't sold out. Rush tickets can only be purchased on the day of performances with a valid ID, however all tickets for the first two performances of any NYTW show can be purchased for $25 in advance, either online or in person.
