A Mini-Guide to Broadway Shows for a Fordham Student!

One of the things that I cherish most about being a student in New York City is being able to take advantage of all the theatre that happens on Broadway. With Fordham’s Lincoln Center campus being so accessible to midtown and the theatre district, whether you’re a Rose Hill student like me who only needs to take a Ram Van, or living at Lincoln Center itself, it’s almost as if Broadway is in your backyard. Seeing a Broadway musical is a must on a Fordham student’s bucket list because Broadway is so iconic to the New York City image, and it plays an important role in promoting culture by the variety of stories that are being told on stage. I was fortunate enough to have been able to stay in the city over the summer because of work, and in my spare time, I discovered the different ways one can make the most out of the theatre-going experience, from acquiring the best deals on tickets to even meeting the stars after the show! Tourists from all over the world flock to NYC to experience the dazzling spectacle that is live theatre and fortunately for students in the city, it can be a form of entertainment that can fit in anyone’s budget!

1. CAB Raffles and Dorm programs: Fordham’s Campus Activities Board does an excellent job of providing fantastic events for students to win tickets to Broadway shows. Every month, they host a raffle and if you’re lucky enough, you can snag a ticket for a high-demand show for as low as $25! I got to see one of the first previews of If/Then the musical starring Idina Menzel through the CAB raffle. Getting to know your dorm programs can also get you some nice deals for Broadway show tickets, and it’s always fun to go with hallmates to experience a show.
   

   
   

   

   The ticket that I won from the CAB raffle for If/Then!

2. Lottery: If you’re feeling lucky, many Broadway shows offer a lottery style where you go to the theatre two hours before a show to enter a drawing. The price of lottery tickets never go above $40 and many of them are often located in great places to see the stage. I was able to win some cool box seats for Kinky Boots for only $37!

   

   Lottery tickets for Kinky Boots. I felt so close to the stage!

3. Rush Tickets: Despite having to wait several hours in line and in a myriad of weather situations, rush tickets can oftentimes get you some great box seats or really close orchestra seats for as cheap as $27, like I did for Les Miserables.
   

   
   
4. Standing Room Only Tickets: For some of Broadway’s demanding shows, like Hedwig and the Angry Inch and the Book of Mormon, you can opt to stand in a special aisle throughout the show for a low price. I saw Chicago the musical this way, and the $27 I spent standing was definitely worth it.
   

   
   
5. Tix4Students: For $5 annual membership, this website provides access specifically for students to get tickets. Ticket prices vary from $25-$45 and gives you the opportunity to book tickets in advance like any normal ticketing service.

If you really enjoyed a Broadway show and don’t want your evening to end just after that curtain call, I highly recommend asking the nearest usher to point you in the direction of the stage door. Here, you’ll be able to interact with the stars themselves as they come out to sign autographs and even take pictures!

Incredibly grateful for the stagedoor for opportunities like these ones. Meeting these Broadway divas, Idina Menzel, Audra McDonald, and Sutton Foster was an honor!

My autographed playbill and pics with the cast of Bullets over Broadway.

Every theatre-going experience should be a special one, and Fordham’s prime location makes it possible for any student, whether you’re new to Broadway or a theatre connoisseur, to have a good time with great company at a Broadway show.

Not Gilty

Fordham is my school. New York is my campus. We are incessantly reminded of the opportunities our school’s location provides for us. But for many students, our ambitions often out stretch our bank accounts. Between financing the obvious basic college necessities, like books and supplies, and the other less obvious (but equally essential) oddities, ranging from command hooks to toilet paper, the budget of a college student leaves little room for excess expenditure. Decidedly, I’d love to spend a Sunday morning enjoying a post-yoga brunch in the East Village, but a swift check of my TD bank app crushes my hopes of satisfying this New York lifestyle…but does it have to?

Online services like Groupon, Gilt City, and Living Social prove that having a glimpse into a Carrie Bradshaw-esque lifestyle is not all that unattainable. These digital services provide members with discounted gift certificates for local businesses including restaurants, boutiques and fitness studios. The online accounts require no cost and prove user (and budget) friendly. For members, services usually ranging anywhere from 20-90% off the original price.   

Five classes at Bikram Harold Square cost me $49, over 50% off the price for other customers

With easily accessible apps and daily email threads, these online services not only provide student-friendly prices but also can serve as inspiration for a date-night or night out with friends. So if you’ve been feeling a little gilty about you’re spending already this year but still crave the pricey New York City air...check out these websites and their great finds!