Frequently Asked Questions

All Broadway theaters have restroooms. However, due to the age of some of these historic buildings, restrooms may be only on one floor or accessbile only by stairs. Look for signage and reach out to theater staff for assistance.

Some Broadway theaters offer coat checking for a fee and with some restrictions. Find out more about individual theater coat check policies here. 

Due to the age of many historic Broadway theaters, accessibility accommodations can vary greatly. You can learn more about accessibility here or by contacting us.

Due to the age of many historic Broadway theaters, acccessibilty options are not uniform and restroom facilities may vary from theater to theater. Check with theater staff for assistance.

Check with theater staff to locate gender-neutral restrooms. Most Broadway theaters do not allow children under five.

No. Outside food and drinks are not permitted in Broadway theaters and you may be asked to dispose of them before entering.

Nearly all Broadway shows offer clothing and other official show merchandise for sale in the lobby of the theater.

You can find some show merchandise available for purchase online.

Large suitcases and other bulky items that will not fit comfortably with you at your seat will not be held for you or allowed inside the theater. Because most Broadway theaters do not allow children under the age of five, strollers are not allowed and will not be held.

It's best to arrive at least 30 minutes before the show's scheduled start time. This should allow you enough time to get through security, find your seats, and familiarize yourself with the theater. Some shows have pre-performance activities and most offer refreshments and merchandise for purchase, so arriving early gives you the opportunity to explore these options.

Longer shows are likely to have at least one intermission, whereas shorter shows, like one-act plays, may be performed without a break. Intermissions are ususally 10 to 20 minutes but may be longer. Most theaters allow guests to leave and re-enter the theater during intermissions.

Run times vary, often greatly. Some performances can be as short as an hour, while others can run up to 3 hours or more in length. You can find the run times of most Broadway shows here or by visiting individual show pages.

Broadway theaters do not enforce dress codes. Business casual is the norm, but please dress according to your preference. Jeans, shorts, and suits are all welcome.

Broadway theaters are usually well air-conditioned and bringing an extra layer of clothing may make for a more pleasant few hours. Theaters are often colder inside than you might think.

It's best to arrive at least 30 minutes before the show's scheduled start time. This should allow you enough time to get through security, find your seats, and familiarize yourself with the theater. Some shows have pre-performance activities and most offer refreshments and merchandise for purchase, so arriving early gives you the opportunity to explore these options.

Most Broadway theaters conduct security checks, possibly including metal detectors, for all ticketholders. All bags are subject to inspection.

Firearms, explosives, weapons, illegal drugs, and outside food and drinks are prohibited. Policies may vary from theater to theater.

Backpacks and bags are permitted and are subject to inspection. All bags should be sized to fit comfortably under your seat without obstructing any walkways. Theaters will not hold bags. Luggage is not permitted.

Re-entry may be permitted at the discretion of the theater but is not guaranteed, so it's always smart to check with theater staff before stepping outside.

The Theater District is conveniently located in the heart of midtown Manhattan, making it easy to get to from anywhere. You can find the best way to get to your Broadway show here.

Meterered street parking is available but can be a challenge, so we recommend patronizing one of the many parking garages in and around the Theater District. Check out our comprehensive guide to parking near Broadway theaters.

Nearly every subway line in New York City makes a stop in or near the Broadway Theater District. Please review our guide to taking the subway to Broadway.

Nearly all Broadway theaters are easily accessed by subway or a 15-20 minute walk from Penn Station and Grand Central. The one  exception is the Vivian Beaumont Theater at Lincoln Center, which is near Broadway and West 66th Street.

Fans often have the opportunity to interact with cast members after the show at the theater’s stage door, but actors are not obligated to participate and some may not appear after a given performance. Be respectful and adhere to all announced rules.

With thousands of theatergoers passing through their doors each week, Broadway theaters often find items left behind accidentally. Ask theater staff for assistance if you think you've lost something.

Visit the theater's box office in person during their operating hours (generally 10:00AM until 30 minutes after the last performance of the day). If you're unable to do so, contact us for more assistance.

If you've left something behind at the theater, please return to the theater as soon as possible during the box office's operating hours, which are typically 10:00AM until 30 minutes after the day's final performance begins.

If you were unable to retrieve your lost item in person at the theater, there is no guarantee that it will be mailed to you.

There are countless dining options in and around the Theater District for all palates and price points. You can find some options here.

A wide range of hotels are sitiuated in and around the Theater District.

If you're looking to expand on your Broadway experience, be sure to check out the Museum of Broadway. You can find other attractions in our guide to the Best Things to Do Around Times Square.

The Orchestra section is the first floor of the theater, with rows of seats extending from very near the stage all the way to the back of the theater. The Mezzanine section is directly above the Orchestra section, jutting out from the back of the theater toward the stage, with its first rows being situated roughly at the midpoint of the Orchestra section. Check out How to Choose a Seat in a Broadway Theater for a visual aid and further details about theater sections.

The Balcony section is the uppermost level in the theater, extending from the back of the theater over the Mezzanine. Because they are typically only accessible by multiple flights of stairs and are the farthest seats from the stage, Balcony seats tend to be among the lowest-priced in the theater but they can offer sweeping, panoramic views of the stage. Not all theaters have Balconies.

The term "overhang" refers to the area where each section above the Orchestra section overlaps, or hangs over, the section below it. For a visual aid, check out How to Choose a Seat in a Broadway Theater.

Use of phones and other electronic devices during performances is strongly discouraged and often expressly forbidden in Broadway theaters. Be sure to turn off all your devices and refrain from using them during the performance. Recording (audio and video) and photography are strictly prohibited.

The nature of live theater requires respect for performers and fellow audience members to ensure that everyone's Broadway experience is memorable for all the right reasons. You'll know when it's time to show your appreciation. Until then, enjoy the show quietly from your seat. Inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated and may be cause for ejection from the theater without compensation.

Tipping is not customary. Cooperation with ushers' instructions is sufficient.

Enthusiasm is welcome and appreciated, but audience members should refrain from singing along unless otherwise directed.

Broadway theaters do not enforce dress codes. Business casual is the norm, but please dress according to your preference. Jeans, shorts, and suits are all welcome.

The geographic area that comprises Broadway is relatively small compared to its cultural influence. The Theater District runs roughly from 42nd to 52nd Street and nearly all theaters sit within one block of Broadway (the thoroughfare). There are rare exceptions (Lincoln Center at 65th Street includes a Broadway theater), but it's easiest to visualize the Broadway Theater District as a small rectangle near the center of Manhattan.

It's best to arrive at least 30 minutes before the show's scheduled start time. This should allow you enough time to get through security, find your seats, and familiarize yourself with the theater. Some shows have pre-performance activities and most offer refreshments and merchandise for purchase, so arriving early gives you the opportunity to explore these options.

Backpacks and bags are permitted inside the theaters and are subject to inspection. All bags should be sized to fit comfortably under your seat without obstructing any walkways. Theaters will not allow guests to check bags and will not hold them during the performance.

No. Broadway theaters do not permit outside food or beverages. However, most theaters will have snacks and drinks available for purchase before the performance and during intermission.

Most Broadway shows will accommodate late arrivals. You may be asked to wait until an appropriate time in the performance to be seated and your ticketed seats may not be guaranteed. Some shows, however, do not permit late seating, and such policies will be posted prominently. Late seating is always and only allowed at the discretion of theater management.