There I was, in the front row, clutching my playbill, eyes widening in awe as I watched “The Phantom of the Opera”. Who did I have to thank for this amazing experience? The Online Broadway Lottery!

The Online Broadway Lottery is a great way to see shows for an affordable price. You simply go on the Broadway Direct website (or download the Broadway Lottery app) and enter for shows that you want to see by giving your name, email address, date of birth, zip code and whether you’re entering for 1 or 2 tickets. When the lottery closes, you'll be informed of whether or not you won. As someone who's won a few times, I'd like to give a few tips on how to win.

1. You're more likely to win tickets for older shows.

Yes, I know that you want to see Hamilton and Dear Evan Hansen. The problem is that everyone wants to see new and popular shows like these, which make them extremely difficult lotteries to win. While you should definitely continue entering for them because you might luck out, you have a much better shot at winning for older shows like "The Phantom of the Opera" or "Cats".

2. Use social media!

For some shows, you can double or even triple your chances of winning the lottery, just by using your social media accounts!

When you're filling out the entry for the show, there may be a box that you can check off that shows your intent to post about the lottery on Facebook and/or Twitter. By doing so, you can double, or even triple your chances of winning!

3. Use the buddy system!

Do you have friends that are also theatre aficionados? If so, you should definitely team up with them, and make a promise to be the recipient of each other's second ticket, should one of you win.

4. Lottery hopping

All of the lotteries open and close at different times, which is something you can definitely use to your advantage. Let's say that it's 9:00 AM, and the lottery for Aladdin just closed. You found out that you lost, but there's no need to fear! The Charlie and the Chocolate Factory lottery opens at 10:00 AM and you can try your luck with that one! So long as you're not picky with shows, and can keep track of the lottery times (See here), this is an awesome way of getting tickets.

5. Be persistent!

I know how easy it is to feel like the lottery is a lost cause. Before I won for the first time, I was on the verge of giving up. However, my persistency came through for me, and so will yours. You just have to remember that you don't lose anything by trying, and that your victory will make up for all of those rejection emails.

With these tips, I’m sure that you'll be able to win the lottery and experience the magic of Broadway, without causing a major dent in your funds. Break a leg!