{"id":2724,"date":"2026-04-03T13:25:47","date_gmt":"2026-04-03T11:25:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.ticketmaster.com\/?p=55521"},"modified":"2026-04-03T13:25:47","modified_gmt":"2026-04-03T11:25:47","slug":"new-to-broadway-heres-a-handy-beginners-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/myza.co.za\/events\/new-to-broadway-heres-a-handy-beginners-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"New to Broadway? Here\u2019s a Handy Beginner\u2019s Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

You only get one<\/i> first Broadway show. So how do you choose?<\/p>\n

Every theater fan remembers their first experience. Whether it was a musical staged in your hometown high school or a dramatic straight play put on by the community theater, the irreplaceable memory stays with you through a lifetime of theatergoing magic.<\/p>\n

But there\u2019s nothing like seeing a show on bonafide Broadway in New York City. Whether you\u2019re a lifelong theatergoer or someone new to it entirely, if you are deciding what to see on Broadway for the first time \u2014 or even just want tips on how to buy Broadway tickets<\/a> \u2014 we\u2019ve got you covered.<\/p>\n

The Broadway Theater District is located in Midtown Manhattan, where Broadway crosses through Times Square (making “Broadway” both a street and a genre of theater!). The Theater District is home to the 41 professional theaters that make up Broadway. In general, Broadway shows are known for attracting top talent and offering an intimate entertainment experience.<\/p>\n

Below, we\u2019ve laid out six musicals to serve as the perfect beginner\u2019s guide to Broadway, along with a number of important factors to consider when selecting a show.<\/p>\n

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Factors to Weigh When Planning Your Broadway Show Visit<\/b><\/h2>\n

Show Content<\/b><\/h3>\n

The first thing to consider when perusing the dozens of shows currently playing on Broadway is each production\u2019s content. Themes explored on the stage are virtually boundless, and it\u2019s important to know what you\u2019re in for heading into the theater \u2014 particularly if you\u2019ll be with kids or teenagers.<\/p>\n

Show Venue<\/b><\/h3>\n

Each Broadway theater in NYC is unique, ranging from the neoclassical Adam style of theaters like the Walter Kerr and Winter Garden to the Moorish and Byzantine details in the Al Hirschfeld Theatre and the thrust stage at Circle in the Square Theatre. Every venue also has its own layout and structure, oftentimes with orchestra seating, a mezzanine and smaller balcony, offering varied sight lines of the stage and ticket prices. However, it\u2019s important to remember that there\u2019s really no such thing as a bad seat in a Broadway theater \u2014 you\u2019ll experience the magic no matter where you\u2019re sitting.<\/p>\n

Dress Code<\/b><\/h3>\n

As a general rule, most Broadway shows don\u2019t have a specific dress code, and simply recommend wearing whatever feels comfortable and appropriate for the occasion. However, it\u2019s always wise to check the dress code for the specific show on its official site before you arrive.<\/p>\n

Family Factor<\/b><\/h3>\n

Another important thing to consider when attending your first Broadway show is the age limit for small kids. Broadway theaters do not permit children under the age of 4, considering it may be difficult for little ones to sit through an entire performance.<\/p>\n

Filming Broadway Curtain Calls: Etiquette and Rules Explained<\/b><\/h2>\n

Taking photos or videos of a Broadway curtain call is generally permissible. While technically prohibited, most Broadway productions generally allow you to film or take photos during the curtain call (and it\u2019s never allowed during the show). Be sure to wait to pull out your phone until after the cast begin their bows and follow any instructions given by ushers in your seating area.<\/p>\n

A few notes on etiquette: Don\u2019t impede the view of audience members seated behind you when taking photos or videos during curtain call. Be prepared to put your camera away if asked by theater staff. Bows are also, first and foremost, the time for applause\u2014so don\u2019t let taking footage distract you from cheering, clapping and showing the cast your appreciation for the show they\u2019ve just finished.<\/p>\n

Remember, taking photos or videos during the performance or at ANY time prior to the curtain call is strictly prohibited in every Broadway theater unless explicitly stated otherwise by the production.<\/p>\n

Check out more frequently asked Broadway questions below.<\/p>\n

Can I take photos or videos at a Broadway show?<\/b><\/h3>\n

The best time to take photos or videos at a Broadway show is before the show starts. In fact, it\u2019s customary for many fans to snap a quick photo of their playbill ahead of the curtain rising in order to post later on social media (or just keep for the memories!). The atmosphere inside the theater will be buzzing ahead of the show kicking off, so it\u2019s also the perfect time to grab some concessions, leaf through the show\u2019s playbill and take in the majesty of the theater\u2019s unique architecture and history.<\/p>\n

Remember to turn off your phone before the lights go down \u2014 taking photos or videos during the performance is strictly prohibited.<\/p>\n

What is the best way to see a Broadway show?<\/b><\/h3>\n

When it comes to booking methods, don’t leave it to chance\u2014buying Broadway tickets on Ticketmaster.com is the best way to ensure you get in on event day. You can also line up for rush tickets (when applicable) or purchase tickets last minute, but planning ahead is always a good idea.<\/p>\n

What is Broadway music?<\/b><\/h3>\n

The music of a Broadway show is used to tell the story through singing, dancing, and live dialogue.<\/p>\n

What is Broadway called in England?<\/b><\/h3>\n

In England, the West End is the British equivalent of Broadway, as both are theater districts known for high-quality productions.<\/p>\n

Why is it called Broadway?<\/b><\/h3>\n

The street in New York City known as Broadway got its name from the British, who renamed it because of its wide width. The street was originally called Heeren Straat, which means “Gentlemen’s Way” or “High Street.” The name comes from a similar street in Amsterdam. The term “Broadway” became associated with the theater industry in the late 1860s.<\/p>\n

Discover Broadway Shows for First-Timers<\/b><\/h2>\n

What’s the best show on Broadway right now?<\/b><\/h3>\n

It’s all up to your personal preference, of course, but you can’t go wrong with perennially popular and\/or award-winning productions, as we outline below. Here are some of the best shows for first-timers:<\/p>\n

The Outsiders<\/i><\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n