Broadway Theatre Trivia
Broadway Theatre trivia explores the venues, productions, performers, and customs that shaped the American stage in Manhattan’s Theatre District. From long-running hits and Tony-winning milestones to backstage lore and marquee legends, it offers a lively way to test what you know about one of the world’s best-known live entertainment traditions.
Easy Broadway Theatre Trivia
13 questions
These easy Broadway Theatre trivia questions are great for beginners and kids around age 12 and under.
Question 1
Who wrote the musical Hamilton?
Answer: Lin-Manuel Miranda wrote Hamilton.
Hamilton was written by Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Question 2
Broadway theaters are clustered around which famous Manhattan area?
Answer: They are concentrated around Times Square in Manhattan.
Broadway theaters are concentrated in the Theater District around Times Square.
Question 3
The Majestic Theatre was long associated with which Broadway show?
Answer: The Phantom of the Opera.
The Majestic Theatre was long identified with The Phantom of the Opera.
Question 4
What do fans often wait by after a Broadway show to try to get autographs?
Answer: The stage door.
Stage-door autograph lines are a recognizable part of Broadway fan culture.
Question 5
What kind of Broadway ticket lets you try for cheap seats by chance?
Answer: Lottery tickets.
Lottery tickets give fans a chance at low-priced seats by random selection.
Question 6
On Broadway, what is the performer called who covers multiple ensemble tracks?
Answer: A swing.
A swing covers multiple ensemble tracks instead of one fixed role.
Question 7
What famous Times Square booth sells same-day discount Broadway tickets?
Answer: The TKTS booth.
The TKTS booth became a recognizable Broadway ritual for same-day discount sales.
Question 8
What are Broadway performances called that happen before official opening night, when changes can still be made?
Answer: Previews.
Previews are performances before opening night when a show can still change.
Question 9
Broadway theatre is the professional theatre industry centered in what part of New York City?
Answer: Midtown Manhattan.
Broadway theatre refers to the professional theatre industry centered in Midtown Manhattan.
Question 10
What neighborhood is most associated with Broadway theatre?
Answer: The Theatre District.
The neighborhood most associated with Broadway theatre is the Theatre District.
Question 11
Which of these is a Broadway theatre: Winter Garden Theatre, Yankee Stadium, or Carnegie Hall?
- A.Carnegie Hall
- B.Madison Square Garden
- C.Winter Garden Theatre
- D.Yankee Stadium
Answer: Winter Garden Theatre.
The Winter Garden Theatre is a Broadway theatre.
Question 12
Hamilton played in which Broadway theatre named for a person?
Answer: The Richard Rodgers Theatre.
The Richard Rodgers Theatre is a Broadway theatre.
Question 13
Which of these is a real Broadway house: Minskoff Theatre, Liberty Dome, or Empire Stage Center?
- A.Empire Stage Center
- B.Broadway Pavilion
- C.Minskoff Theatre
- D.Liberty Dome
Answer: Minskoff Theatre.
The Minskoff Theatre is a Broadway theatre.
Broadway Theatre Family Trivia
12 questions
These family Broadway Theatre trivia questions are built for mixed-age game nights, classrooms, and groups.
Question 1
In what year did Broadway shut down because of the COVID-19 pandemic?
- A.2020
- B.2018
- C.2019
- D.2021
Answer: 2020
Broadway shut down in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic and performances resumed in 2021.
Question 2
What is the big sign outside a Broadway theater that usually shows the current production's title called?
- A.marquee
- B.A playbill
- C.A backdrop
- D.A spotlight
Answer: A marquee
A Broadway marquee typically displays the current production's title outside the theater.
Question 3
Most Broadway theatres are found in which Manhattan borough area?
- A.Queens
- B.The Bronx
- C.Manhattan
- D.Brooklyn
Answer: Manhattan
Most Broadway theatres are located in Manhattan.
Question 4
Broadway theatres are located in what city?
- A.Chicago
- B.Los Angeles
- C.Boston
- D.New York City
Answer: New York City
Broadway theatres are located in New York City.
Question 5
Which of these is the name of a Broadway theatre: Shubert Theatre, Grand Central Hall, or Liberty Library?
- A.Liberty Library
- B.Times Tower Stage
- C.Shubert Theatre
- D.Grand Central Hall
Answer: Shubert Theatre
The Shubert Theatre is a Broadway theatre.
Question 6
What special night marks the official opening of a Broadway production?
Answer: Opening night
Opening night marks the official opening of a Broadway production.
Question 7
If you want to listen to the songs from a stage show performed by its cast, what recording would you look for?
- A.A script book
- B.A rehearsal tape
- C.A ticket stub
- D.cast album
Answer: A cast album
A cast album is a commercial recording of songs performed by a stage production's cast.
Question 8
Broadway theatres are famous for putting on what two kinds of stage shows?
Answer: Plays and musicals
Broadway theatres are known for staging both plays and musicals.
Question 9
At the Tony Awards, which category honors a musical production?
Answer: Best Musical
Best Musical is a category awarded at the Tony Awards.
Question 10
Which Tony Awards category is given to a play rather than a musical?
- A.Best Movie
- B.Best Orchestra Seat
- C.Best Dance Hall
- D.Best Play
Answer: Best Play
Best Play is a category awarded at the Tony Awards.
Question 11
Who helped create the Broadway musical Oklahoma! alongside Oscar Hammerstein II?
Answer: Richard Rodgers
Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II created Oklahoma!
Question 12
Which Broadway musical was written by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II: South Pacific or Hamilton?
- A.South Pacific
- B.Hamilton
- C.Cats
- D.Dear Evan Hansen
Answer: South Pacific
South Pacific is a Broadway musical by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II.
Fun Broadway Theatre Trivia
13 questions
These fun Broadway Theatre trivia questions highlight surprising moments and playful facts for game-night groups.
Question 1
Which powerhouse organization is one of Broadway's major theater owners?
Answer: The Shubert Organization
The Shubert Organization is a major owner of Broadway theaters.
Question 2
Who wrote the book for West Side Story?
- A.Bob Fosse
- B.Edwin Booth
- C.Arthur Laurents
- D.Hal Prince
Answer: Arthur Laurents
Arthur Laurents wrote the book for West Side Story.
Question 3
Who pulled double duty by directing and choreographing the original Broadway production of Chicago?
Answer: Bob Fosse
Bob Fosse both directed and choreographed the original Broadway production of Chicago.
Question 4
Which star headlined the original Broadway production of Chicago?
Answer: Gwen Verdon
Gwen Verdon starred in the original Broadway production of Chicago.
Question 5
Who directed the original Broadway production of Sweeney Todd?
Answer: Hal Prince
Hal Prince directed the original Broadway production of Sweeney Todd.
Question 6
Mamma Mia! sends audiences dancing out of the theater with songs by Benny Andersson and which other ABBA songwriter?
- A.Bob Fosse
- B.Hal Prince
- C.Arthur Laurents
- D.Björn Ulvaeus
Answer: Björn Ulvaeus
Mamma Mia! features songs by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus.
Question 7
Which Broadway theater was built big enough for major musical spectacles and currently hosts Wicked?
- A.New Amsterdam Theatre
- B.Gershwin Theatre
- C.Imperial Theatre
- D.Vivian Beaumont Theater
Answer: Gershwin Theatre
The Gershwin Theatre was built to accommodate large-scale musicals and currently hosts Wicked.
Question 8
What Broadway ticketing tactic can make the same show cost wildly different amounts depending on the seat and the date?
Answer: premium pricing
Premium pricing lets the same Broadway show charge different prices for different seats and dates.
Question 9
If a production started Off-Broadway or regionally and then moved into a Broadway house, what is that move commonly called?
Answer: Broadway transfer
A Broadway transfer is when an Off-Broadway or regional production moves into a Broadway theater.
Question 10
True or false: Modern Broadway musicals usually use body microphones even in theaters with strong natural acoustics.?
Answer: True
Mic'd voices are standard on modern Broadway musicals, even in acoustically strong houses.
Question 11
What event can give a Broadway show's grosses a lift even before any trophies are handed out?
Answer: Tony nominations
A show's grosses often jump after Tony nominations are announced, even before the awards ceremony itself.
Question 12
Which trade association represents Broadway producers and theater owners?
- A.The Broadway League
- B.The Shubert Organization
- C.Actors' Equity Association
- D.Jujamcyn Theaters
Answer: The Broadway League
The Broadway League is the trade association for Broadway producers and theater owners.
Question 13
Which historic theater stands on Broadway in Manhattan: the New Amsterdam Theatre or the Vivian Beaumont Theater?
- A.Circle in the Square Theatre
- B.Booth Theatre
- C.New Amsterdam Theatre
- D.Vivian Beaumont Theater
Answer: New Amsterdam Theatre
The New Amsterdam Theatre stands on Broadway in Manhattan.
Funny Broadway Theatre Trivia
13 questions
These funny Broadway Theatre trivia questions highlight playful moments, odd facts, and inside jokes.
Question 1
If a Broadway show brags about a huge week at the box office, what number do insiders usually side-eye next before popping champagne?
- A.weekly operating costs
- B.Late April
- C.Pit size
- D.Opening-night gift
Answer: The show's weekly operating costs
Broadway grosses are usually discussed in relation to a show's weekly operating costs, not just raw revenue.
Question 2
On Broadway, what does it mean when a production has finally reached recoupment and can stop sweating into its costume budget?
Answer: It has earned back its capitalization from its run and related income
Recoupment means a production has earned back its capitalization from its run and related income.
Question 3
If Broadway theaters were a real-estate boy band, which company would definitely be one of the headliners?
Answer: The Shubert Organization
Most Broadway theaters are owned by the Shubert Organization, the Nederlander Organization, or ATG Entertainment.
Question 4
When Broadway orchestra debates get spicy, what physical feature can affect both the sound and how many musicians get hired?
- A.Star casting
- B.pit size
- C.Opening-night gift
- D.Recoupment
Answer: Pit size
Broadway orchestras can be a point of labor tension because pit size affects both sound and employment.
Question 5
Which kind of Broadway production usually leans extra hard on reviews and star casting, basically asking critics and celebrities to hold hands?
Answer: Straight plays
Straight plays on Broadway usually depend more on reviews and star casting than musicals do.
Question 6
If you went looking for the densest cluster of Broadway theatres, which stretch of Manhattan should your shoes prepare for?
- A.41st Street through 54th Street
- B.14th Street through 23rd Street
- C.59th Street through 72nd Street
- D.Houston Street through Canal Street
Answer: 41st Street through 54th Street
Broadway theatres are concentrated around 41st Street through 54th Street.
Question 7
The musicians in Broadway pits don't just appear by jazz magic. Which union represents them?
- A.The Nederlander Organization
- B.Local 802 of the American Federation of Musicians
- C.The Shubert Organization
- D.ATG Entertainment
Answer: Local 802 of the American Federation of Musicians
The musicians playing in Broadway pits are represented by Local 802 of the American Federation of Musicians.
Question 8
At opening night, what tradition might leave cast and crew going home with something more glamorous than exhaustion?
- A.A larger pit size
- B.A season extension to late April
- C.An opening-night gift with custom keepsakes for the company's members
- D.Automatic recoupment
Answer: An opening-night gift with custom keepsakes for the company's members
The opening-night gift tradition on Broadway often includes custom keepsakes for a show's company.
Question 9
Once a Broadway production opens, what status often applies, making major changes uncommon unless there's special notice?
Answer: It is often frozen after opening
Broadway houses often keep a production frozen after opening, making major changes uncommon without special notice.
Question 10
For Tony eligibility, Broadway's season usually wraps up when spring is still checking its calendar. When is the usual cutoff?
- A.Mid-June
- B.Late August
- C.late April
- D.Early January
Answer: Late April
The Broadway season for Tony eligibility usually ends in late April.
Question 11
A gigantic weekly gross on Broadway can still make producers stare into the void if it doesn't beat what crucial benchmark?
- A.weekly operating costs
- B.Opening-night gift value
- C.Tony cutoff date
- D.The theater district boundaries
Answer: Weekly operating costs
Raw revenue alone is not the main point of discussion; grosses are usually weighed against weekly operating costs.
Question 12
Broadway's version of 'we made it' in financial terms is called what?
Answer: Recoupment
Recoupment is the term for earning back a production's capitalization from its run and related income.
Question 13
True or false: Most Broadway theaters are primarily owned by a random assortment of tiny independent landlords with no major players involved.?
Answer: False
Most Broadway theaters are owned by the Shubert Organization, the Nederlander Organization, or ATG Entertainment.
Hard Broadway Theatre Trivia
14 questions
These hard Broadway Theatre trivia questions are for expert fans who want a real challenge.
Question 1
On Broadway, what is the umbrella-free trio of job titles that separates covering a principal role, waiting to go on for a principal, and covering multiple ensemble tracks?
Answer: Understudy, standby, and swing
These three labels refer to distinct Broadway jobs rather than interchangeable terms.
Question 2
If a Broadway musical wants revenue streams beyond what it earns at the New York box office, which three categories are commonly pursued?
- A.Touring, licensing, and recordings
- B.Streaming, concessions, and sponsorships
- C.Film rights, merchandise, and classes
- D.Advertising, rentals, and dining
Answer: Touring, licensing, and recordings
Broadway musicals often seek ancillary income from touring, licensing, and recordings in addition to ticket sales in New York.
Question 3
Which famous nickname for Broadway specifically traces back to the avenue's early dominance in electric illumination?
Answer: The Great White Way
Broadway acquired the nickname because of its early prominence in electric lighting.
Question 4
What major New York performing-arts complex contains a Broadway theatre venue?
Answer: Lincoln Center
Lincoln Center includes a Broadway theatre venue.
Question 5
The Belasco Theatre honors which producer in its very name?
Answer: David Belasco
The theatre is named for producer David Belasco.
Question 6
Which organization shares presentation duties for the Tony Awards rather than merely attending them?
Answer: American Theatre Wing
The American Theatre Wing co-presents the Tony Awards.
Question 7
A Broadway performer checking the weekly grid and seeing one routine no-show day should usually circle which day?
Answer: Monday
For many Broadway shows, Monday is the dark day with no scheduled performance.
Question 8
True or false: Broadway theatre geography neatly matches the path of the street called Broadway.?
Answer: False
Broadway's theater geography overlaps only partly with the street named Broadway.
Question 9
When a staging fades but the score lives on in durable form, what Broadway artifact is often doing the archival heavy lifting?
Answer: The original cast album
Original cast albums often preserve Broadway scores more durably than any single staging does.
Question 10
What kind of admission is sometimes offered only after a Broadway performance has officially sold out?
Answer: Standing-room tickets
Standing-room tickets are sometimes sold only after the performance is sold out.
Question 11
Which institution is known as a major feeder for Broadway transfers, sending work uptown from its own productions?
Answer: The Public Theater
The Public Theater has been a significant feeder institution for Broadway transfers.
Question 12
Name the nonprofit company that operates Broadway houses while keeping a nonprofit production model.?
Answer: Lincoln Center Theater
Lincoln Center Theater operates Broadway houses and remains nonprofit in structure.
Question 13
In a Broadway audition where movement style can make or break ensemble casting, what portion of the process may become the decisive test?
Answer: The dance call
Broadway dance calls can be decisive because many choruses are built around style-specific movement.
Question 14
What highly public Broadway metric is issued on a weekly basis, letting fans and investors track momentum in near real time?
Answer: Weekly grosses
Broadway grosses are reported weekly, making box-office momentum unusually public.
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