Broadway Discount Tickets

Here are a few ways to get tickets to Broadway and off Broadway shows at a fraction of the cost...

TDF
One of the most popular ways to obtain discount tickets to Broadway shows is the TDF (Theater Development Fund) booths. They sell tickets for up to 50% off for same day evening performances, as well as same or next day matinee performances. On weekends especially, the lines for these booths can start forming before the booths are even open, so get there early and expect to wait. There are three locations:

1) Times Square at 47th and Broadway "under the red steps"
For evening performances:
Mon-Sat 3pm-8pm
Sun- 3pm until 30 minutes before latest curtain time of last show being sold

For Same Day Matinee Performances Only:
Wed and Sat 10 am - 2 pm
Sundays 11 am - 3 pm

2) South Street Seaport at the corner of Front and John Streets
For Evening and Next Day Matinee performances:
Mon-Sat 11 am - 6 pm
Sunday 11 am - 3 pm

3) Downtown Brooklyn, in the Metrotech center at the corner of Jay St and Myrtle Avenue
For Evening and Next Day Matinee Performances:
Mon-Sat 11 am - 6 pm

Note: If you belong to one of the following groups: full-time students, full-time teachers, union members, retirees, civil service employees, staff members of not-for-profit organizations, performing arts professionals, members of the armed forces or clergy, you can sign up for a TDF membership at www.tdf.org.
TDF members can buy advanced tickets to Broadway and off Broadway performances for between $20 and $36 a ticket. The annual fee for membership is $27.50, and the cost of membership usually pays for itself if you purchase tickets for just one show.

Websites that Sell Discount Tickets or Provide Discount Codes for Broadway Tickets:
www.broadwaybox.com
www.theatermania.com
www.playbill.com/club/offers/ (free membership required)
www.nytix.com

Student Rush Tickets and SRO Tickets
Some shows sell rush tickets and SRO (standing room only) tickets on the day of the performance from the theater box office. They usually sell these tickets when their box office opens for the day. Rush tickets are usually for reserved for students, but are sometimes open to everyone. They are sold either on a first come, first serve basis or via lottery. NYU maintains a list of Rush and SRO ticket offerings here:
www.nyu.edu/ticketcentral/pdf/studrush.pdf

Craigslist
Most of the people selling tickets to Broadway shows on craigslist are professional scalpers who are selling them to make a profit. However, once in a while you can find someone who for whatever reason can't make it to the show and are selling their tickets for below face value.
www.craigslist.com