Tips to Comfortably Enjoy a Broadway Show

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Broadway, well known around the world for its theater and musical shows that delight the masses with the lights, sets, actors, music, and more. I honestly always dreamed of being a star on Broadway, but that ship sailed when I realized I would never be able to dance. While I don’t have as much experience as some Broadway enthusiasts or New Yorkers, I have enough to talk about planning a trip as a plus-size individual to help when it comes to making plans for your trip to NYC.

What to Wear

Choosing the right outfit for any occasion can make or break the whole experience. When we went to see The Book of Morman, it was on one of the coldest days in January.

Bundled in our winter coats and the numerous accessories that go with winter, we made our way to the theater.

At first, the theater was warm and inviting, but halfway through the first act I was shivering and Peter was piling his jacket ontop of me to help me get warm.

Now, I normally run cold thanks to a thyroid condition, so this was not entirely unexpected for me. However, when Peter started to complain about the cold we knew it was not just me.

The reason for this is because the lights on stage are extremely hot so to help the actors out the air is usually set at a pretty low temperature. I only know this from doing years of improv, but it is a pretty well-known fact and to be honest very helpful!

Recommendations

Even in summer, I recommend you bring a light jacket or hoodie. While it does take up space on our laps when not using it, you will thank me when the air kicks in and you are shivering in your seat.

Wintertime can be even colder, especially if you are sitting near the doors by the lobby. If you have your winter coat with you, you likely might need it, but if not, again dress warmer than you would for a day out on the town.

If you forgot a sweater or hoodie, don’t fret! There are many locations where you can purchase plus-size clothing in New York.

• Recommended Plus-Size clothing stores for Women in NYC
• Recommended Plus-Size clothing stores for Men in NYC

And yes, if you are looking at the picture of me from circa 2010 with a no sleeve shirt on, I did have a sweater with me you just can’t see it!

Our favorite shows

I would say that between the two of us, I have seen more shows than Peter, but together we have only had the opportunity to see one show. We hope to change that now that Broadway is opening again for shows this fall.

Seating sizes in NYC theaters

Each theater is different, but all I have experienced have small legroom available for those in the center of the rows. This can make it painful for knee injuries, long-legged folks, and those of us on the heavier size to sit comfortably.

Theaters like Circle in the Square Theater, where I saw Fun Home, gave a little more room to visitors in the seating option because it was like a reversed bleacher setting, or at least that’s what it reminded me of. This allowed for more legroom, but not so much when it came to your neighbors being arm to arm.

However other theaters like Lunt-Fontanne Theater, the legroom was smaller than I could bend my knees, hence the knees in boobs.

While I can’t provide you specific information about the size of the seats, I definitely recommend when possible, get an aisle seat!

Aisle seats allow you the stretch even though it might be the slightest stretch. The downside to this is that there will usually always be someone who has to get up in the middle of the show to use the restroom and when intermission ends and not everyone is back… oh that can get frustrating.

Seating options for plus size individuals

Besides an aisle seat, there is another option for some plus-size audience members in a few of the theaters.

Accessibility options

Transfer Seats

These would be seats with transfer arms for accessibility. While I don’t recommend taking these seats if you can avoid them, they are there if you need them.

These seats allow for the arm to go up and give the audience member room to move from a wheelchair or mobility device to the theater seat. Selecting one of these is not always available and they can be pretty expensive since the majority of theaters that have them only offer them in the orchestra section.

Wheelchair Seats

Anyone who is in a wheelchair or mobility device that can’t be transferred or prefers not to be transferred has the ability to sit in many designated locations.

The majority of the theaters also offer companion seats with these wheelchair locations as well.

If you need a wheelchair-accessible or transfer seat, I highly recommend calling the theater or box office to make sure there is availability.

Theater Accessibility

Not all theaters have ramps or elevators in them, this can make it difficult for individuals who have difficulty with stairs to reach the balcony and mezzanine levels.

Conclusion

There are not a lot of options for plus-size travelers wanting to see a Broadway show when the seats are cramped and the legroom is sparing. But if you work with the few possibilities to make your show more enjoyable, it is worth it.

Want to comfortably enjoy a Broadway show on your next trip to New York City (NYC)? Here are a few tips we have as plus-size individuals that help us enjoy the stage theater all year round.