Every season brings fantastic new shows to Broadway stages. How can you decide which new Broadway shows in New York to see? We here at The Broadway League, the national trade association for the Broadway industry, have created a useful list of tips that can help you evaluate new and upcoming Broadway shows to ensure that don't miss out on that great new play, musical, or special event.

Many avid theatregoers enjoy a certain satisfaction in seeing a new show before it becomes the next "smash-hit."  In order to find that diamond-in-the-rough, spend a little time on Broadway.org planning your Broadway outing, and you'll be sure to have a magical Broadway experience.

How to find the best new Broadway shows:

• View the schedule - Begin by seeing what is currently playing on Broadway, as well as browsing through the list of upcoming new shows. Our online list of shows at Broadway.org allows you to easily filter out shows in New York based on whether they are currently "on the boards" or whether they are coming soon, including the ability to view their preview dates as well as any announced closing dates.  This online Broadway schedule is the starting point of the process because it helps you set your calendar.
• Read about the show - On Broadway.org we provide detailed descriptions of the shows including the basic storyline, whether the show is a new production or a revival, whether it is a musical or play, and whether it is based on existing source material such as a book or a movie. You can also find information on the stars and other cast members, author(s), director, choreographer,  etc.  with link to the Internet Broadway Database® (IBDB.com) for more cast and crew information. All of these may help you determine if this is the type of show you will enjoy.
• Consider the artists' résumés - Is there an actor or actress that you have enjoyed in the past? Have you previously seen and enjoyed the director or choreographer's work? Get information on all of the key artists and their Broadway résumés by clicking over to IBDB directly from the show pages on Broadway.org.
• Consider the intangibles - Music, dance, and design all add to the magic of a show.  What is your favorite aspect? Our production photos and video clips at Broadway.org, usually posted close to a show's opening night, should give you a good idea of what to expect.
• Visit during "previews" - Previews refer to those performances very early in a show's run before the press has been invited to review the show. Many times the creative team is still making tweaks to the songs or the script during the preview period. Previews can offer you an amazing sneak peek of a brand new show before it catches fire, and you'll be able to tell your jealous friends with an insider's wink that you "saw it in previews."

With so many new Broadway shows in New York hitting the stage each year it can be a daunting task deciding which to see first. However using the above methods you can increase your chances of making your next Broadway experience both memorable and exciting.