Before making your way to the theater, read up on these important tips and tricks to prepare yourself to attend your first Broadway show. No matter what type of genre, romance, comedy, tragedy, etc, that you enjoy, this guide can help find the best Broadway show for first timers. You can browse a full slate of productions at TicketSmarter’s Broadway page: https://www.ticketsmarter.com/theatre/broadway.
Broadway in New York City
What most people think of as Broadway is actually New York City’s Theater District. While NYC has a record of theaters as early as the 1700s, it wouldn’t be until the late 1800s that these theaters moved to the Theatre District of today. The Theatre District resides in the same area as Times Square in NYC, with 41 On-Broadway theaters that can seat more than 500 people. Off-Broadway theaters have a smaller seating capacity and are scattered throughout the borough of Manhattan.
You might be wondering: What’s the difference between On-Broadway and Off-Broadway?
- On-Broadway refers to the Theater District venues with a seating capacity of 500 or more. These productions typically consist of popular musicals and plays. To qualify for Tony Awards, productions generally play in houses with 500 or more seats in the Theatre District.
- Off-Broadway refers to smaller theaters with a seating capacity between 100 to 500. These venues often offer an intimate experience due to their size.
Broadway remains a high-demand entertainment market: according to The Broadway League, the 2024–2025 season reached $1.89 billion in grosses with 14.7 million attendances, and theaters averaged over 91 percent capacity, which helps explain why you should book tickets early.
Off-Broadway productions aren’t as popular as On-Broadway productions, but they tend to favor dramas. If you are exploring plays along with musicals, TicketSmarter lists current options here: https://www.ticketsmarter.com/theatre/plays.
There are even touring Broadway shows**** that make stops in cities across the nation for people that can’t travel to Broadway itself to see a show.
Components of a Great Broadway Show
Several elements need to come together to create a truly great Broadway production. One element is the story behind the musical or play, a well-developed foundation that supports the entire production. Tying into the storyline will be the show’s music and choreography. The score of a Broadway production becomes the heart of the project, with timeless show tunes and bold ballads resonating with the audience long after the curtains have closed. Even people who don’t enjoy the theater may recognize a popular song from iconic musicals.
Another important component of a great Broadway show is the immersion factor, the ability of the performance to draw the audience into the production itself. Set design as well as props and costumes transport the audience to new worlds and bring fiction to life. An example of excellent prop usage is seen in the Life of Pi play, adapted from Yann Martel’s award-winning novel of the same name. Modern puppet techniques let audiences see both the performer and the puppet so your imagination fills in the rest.
One last element for the creation of a great Broadway show is the ‘Wow’ Factor. Think of a theatrical flair that utilizes special effects during the performance. A memorable part of The Lion King is how the animals of Pride Rock leap and prowl off of the stage and onto the theater floor, immersing the audience in the wildlife of the savanna. Today’s productions also use projection mapping, automated scenery, and advanced sound design to create a full-picture view from your seat. The ‘Wow’ Factor is what keeps the audience on the edge of their seats, and builds on the feeling of suspense and awe to enhance the overall production.
Broadway Theatre Etiquette You Should Know
- Silence or Turn Off Electronic Devices
- Just as in movie theaters, electronic devices, phones, cameras, tablets, etc, should not be used during the performance. It not only distracts your fellow theater patrons but can also disrupt the show itself. Many theaters state an explicit no-photography and no-recording policy, so check your venue’s house rules before arrival.
- Hold Your Applause
- Wait until the end of the musical number or act before applauding; this again prevents any disruption during the performance.
- Keep the Noise Down
- Any talking, if necessary, should be kept to a minimum.
- Do not sing along to any musical numbers unless prompted by the performers; you are there to enjoy the actors’ talents, not to display your own.
- Hold Any Comments Until You Have Left the Theater
- It is generally considered impolite to discuss any positive or negative aspects of the performance.
- Respect sightlines and space
- Keep large bags under your seat and avoid hats or items that block views. Do not place belongings on adjacent seats.
Before Buying Your Broadway Show Tickets
The following points help answer any questions that a Broadway first-timer might have, like “What time do Broadway shows start?” or “How should I behave during the show?” You can compare current productions and prices at TicketSmarter’s curated lists: https://www.ticketsmarter.com/p/on-broadway-tickets and https://www.ticketsmarter.com/p/the-best-of-broadway-tickets.
- On the Day of Your Broadway Show
- Arrive at the theater at least 30 minutes before the performance begins. Security checks and bag drops often start around this time.
- Make plans to eat before or after the show. Eating during a live performance can be noisy in quiet theaters.
- Take a few minutes in the lobby. Many shows decorate displays to set the mood.
- During the Show
- Do not block other patrons’ view of the stage. Sit back in your seat and keep aisles clear.
- No photos or videos allowed.
- Keep talking to a minimum.
- Seat selection tips
- For a balanced view and sound, aim for rows about five to twelve from the stage near the center orchestra.
- Rows H to P in the Center Orchestra often offer strong sightlines at a lower price than premium rows.
- For big staging effects, sitting a little farther back can help you take in the full set. Closer seats can enhance intimate plays.
- If considering limited or partial view seats, check seat-view photos and reviews. Decide whether an overhang or pole is acceptable for you.
Top Broadway Shows We Recommend
- Best Show Overall: Phantom of the Opera
Catch the longest-running show in Broadway history before the curtains close for the last time. Follow the tale of a young soprano named Christine and her relationship with the obsessive masked phantom lurking below the Paris Opera House. Note: the Broadway run ended in 2023, so check touring or special engagements and explore current classics on TicketSmarter’s Broadway page: https://www.ticketsmarter.com/theatre/broadway.
- Best Show for Kids: The Lion King
Kids and adults alike will fall in love again with The Lion King with this musical adaptation of the beloved 1994 Disney film. Join Simba, Timon and Pumbaa as they face the villainous Scar to reclaim Pride Rock.
- Best Show for Date Night: Moulin Rouge! The Musical
See the sparks fly between a pair of lovers as they navigate a complex romance in the dazzling and show-stopping adaptation of Baz Luhrman’s 2001 film of the same name.
- Best Show for Disney Fans: Aladdin
See how a street rat vies for the affections of the beautiful and strong Princess Jasmine while dealing with Jafar’s nefarious plots. With the help of Abu, the Genie, and three wishes, Aladdin must prove his love for Jasmine and save the kingdom of Agrabah.
- Best Unconventional Show: Hamilton
Enjoy Lin-Manual Miranda’s retelling of one of America’s Founding Fathers: Alexander Hamilton. The diverse cast put a hip-hop-styled spin on Hamilton’s life and his mark in American history.
- Best New Show: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Follow the journey of the new generation of wizards and witches, set 20 years after Harry Potter’s time at Hogwarts. This play is one of the best Broadway shows running, especially since its a re-introduction to the magic of the Wizarding World and Hogwarts for Harry Potter fans.
Complete List of Current Top Broadway Musicals
- List of Current On-Broadway Shows
- Hadestown
- Some Like It Hot
- Chicago
- Camelot
- Moulin Rouge! The Musical
- Wicked
- Life of Pi
- Aladdin
- & Juliet
- Bad Cinderella
- New York, New York
- SIX: The Musical
- The Book of Mormon
- A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
- The Lion King
- Leopoldstadt
- MJ
- Funny Girl
- Bob Fosse’s DANCIN’
- Parade
- Hamilton
- Kimberly Akimbo
- Sweeney Todd
- Shucked
- List of Current Off-Broadway Shows
- Blue Man Group
- Little Shop of Horrors
- The Play That Goes Wrong
Quick picks and helpful links for first-timers
- Browse Broadway tickets by date and price on TicketSmarter: https://www.ticketsmarter.com/theatre/broadway
- Thinking about Wicked for your first show, or bringing kids and teens: https://www.ticketsmarter.com/p/wicked-musical-tickets
- Planning a visit to Gershwin Theatre, home of Wicked: https://www.ticketsmarter.com/venues/gershwin-theatre
- Explore top-rated productions and trending titles:
- Best of Broadway: https://www.ticketsmarter.com/p/the-best-of-broadway-tickets
- On Broadway: https://www.ticketsmarter.com/p/on-broadway-tickets
- Broadway’s Next Hit Musical: https://www.ticketsmarter.com/p/broadways-next-hit-musical-tickets
- Company fans can start here: https://www.ticketsmarter.com/p/company-the-musical-tickets
Enjoy the Best of Broadway Today
After you buy your Broadway tickets, check out these exclusive travel deals for the best places to stay while you’re in NYC. If you have the time to spare, stretch out the trip and check out some concert tours in the Big Apple or visit other NY theatres. You can also bundle hotel stays and activities with your trip plan to save on travel costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should a first-time theatergoer prepare for a Broadway show in NYC
Arrive 30 minutes early for security and seating, eat before the show, and bring a light jacket since theaters can feel cool. Silence your phone completely. TicketSmarter makes it easy to compare showtimes and prices across productions at https://www.ticketsmarter.com/theatre/broadway. For seasonal context when planning travel, the Broadway League’s 2023–2024 report noted about 12.3 million attendances and $1.54 billion in grosses, which highlights the market’s steady demand.
What is the difference between On-Broadway and Off-Broadway
On-Broadway houses seat 500 or more and are mostly in the Theatre District near Times Square. Off-Broadway venues seat 100 to 500 and are spread across Manhattan. Playbill summarizes this industry definition and its practical effects on production scale and seating.
When should I arrive and what pre-show plans are recommended
Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before curtain. Use the time to clear security, visit the lobby, and find your seat. Ushers may hold latecomers until a break in the action. TicketSmarter listings include venue details and showtimes so you can plan dinner and transit.
What etiquette rules should I follow during a Broadway musical
Keep devices off, avoid talking or singing along, and do not record the performance. Stay for the curtain call when you can. Respect sightlines and personal space. Many theaters list no-photography and no-recording policies on their house pages, so check in advance.
What makes a Broadway production feel immersive for first-time attendees
Story, score, and staging work together with scenic design, lighting, projections, automated sets, and sound design to draw you in. Puppetry and mask work also deepen immersion by blending performer and object onstage. You can discover visually rich titles on TicketSmarter’s Best of Broadway list: https://www.ticketsmarter.com/p/the-best-of-broadway-tickets.
Which Broadway shows are good for kids, date night, or classic musical fans
Family friendly choices include The Lion King, Wicked, and & Juliet. Date-night favorites include Moulin Rouge! The Musical and Company. Fans of classics often enjoy Chicago and Sweeney Todd. Find tickets and compare seats on TicketSmarter at https://www.ticketsmarter.com/theatre/broadway.
How do I choose seats and avoid blocked views
Aim for center orchestra about five to twelve rows from the stage, or consider front mezzanine for a wide view. Check for mezzanine overhangs and partial view notes. If a discounted partial view seat is offered, decide whether the obstruction is acceptable for you. TicketSmarter seat maps and listings help you compare options.
Can I combine Broadway tickets with NYC hotels and other events
Yes. Many travelers bundle theater tickets with hotel stays and attractions to save money and time. After selecting tickets on TicketSmarter, plan lodging and add concerts or tours to round out your trip. See concert tours in NYC to extend your stay.
Are children allowed at Broadway shows
Policies vary by show. Many titles recommend ages 8 to 10 and up. Children should be able to sit quietly in their own seat. If a child becomes disruptive, stepping out is considered courteous. TicketSmarter show pages often include age guidance to help you choose.
Updated date: December 12, 2025
