New York City high school students can now enter a lottery for 2,100 free tickets to select Broadway shows through the end of summer and into the fall, according to an announcement made on Thursday by Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The program, run in partnership with the non-profit theater group TDF, aims to expand youth access to the arts regardless of personal finances.
Lottery Details and Participating Broadway Shows
The ticket lottery opened at 10 a.m. on Thursday and will remain open through Aug. 17 at 10 a.m., according to city announcements. Selected students will be able to claim up to two tickets for participating productions. The official drawing for the tickets is scheduled to take place on Sept. 1.
According to city sources, seven Broadway and marquee productions are participating in the ticket giveaway:
- In The Heights (New York City Center)
- School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play
- Stranger Things: The First Shadow
- Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)
Did You Know? TDF, the non-profit theater group operating the lottery, is also well-known for operating the TKTS booths in New York City and has provided low-cost and free theater admissions since 1968.
Free TDF Memberships and Cultural Access
Every student who enters the lottery will automatically receive a free, two-month TDF membership, according to city reports. This membership grants access to deeply discounted tickets—typically ranging from $20 to $40—for Broadway, Off-Broadway, and Off-Off Broadway shows, as well as music, museums, and dance performances.
According to official announcements, students can claim their free TDF membership and download digital membership cards even after the lottery ends, with memberships remaining available through Sept. 13. The membership card also allows students to visit numerous cultural institutions across New York City for free or at discounted rates, including Carnegie Hall, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the New York City Ballet, and the American Museum of Natural History.
Official Statements on Arts Access
Mayor Mamdani emphasized the importance of cultural equity during the announcement. “In a city overflowing with extraordinary art and culture, every young person should have the opportunity to experience those moments, regardless of what’s in their bank account,” said Mayor Mamdani. “We want every high school student to have the opportunity to explore this city, experience incredible art and discover something that stays with them long after the curtain falls.”
Deeksha Gaur, TDF’s Executive Director, echoed those sentiments in additional city coverage, noting that theater is considered the birthright of every New Yorker. Gaur stated that the organization looks forward to fostering a lifelong relationship with the arts for local youth through the partnership.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to enter the Broadway ticket lottery?
The lottery is open to New York City high school students.
When does the lottery close?
The entry website closes on Aug. 17 at 10 a.m., and the drawing will be held on Sept. 1.
What do students receive just for entering?
Every student who enters the lottery receives a free, two-month TDF membership for discounted tickets and museum access.
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