Looking for tips and guide for cheap tickets

Hello! I was in NYC two months ago and had a blast. I stayed for 2 nights and was able to catch 4 shows.

I'm planning to go back at the end of this month but looking to substantial take a totally different approach. I purchased all my tickets ahead of time last time. This time I want to lower the overall cost and see as many shows as I could. I don't really mind sitting far back or the take the cheaper seats.

I wonder if people have specific routine/strategies on getting cheap tickets. I will be there 4 full days and intend to see 6-8 shows if possible. I'm nervous that if I don't purchase tickets and lock down shows, I will end up getting no tickets and seeing nothing. Do you guys have any strategies to balance purchasing cheap tickets but not ending up not seeing anything?

The three must see for me is Schmigadoon and The Lost Boys, Great Gatsby (rewatching it. Want to see Reeve and Eva). Other than that I have Hadestown, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, Every Brilliant Things, Just In Time, Operation Mincemeat, The Outsiders, Titanique on my list. I also don't mind rewatching Chess, Maybe Happy Ending, Death Becomes Her because I'm going with a friend who has not seen any of these shows.

Do you think it is realistic to see 8 of those shows without purchasing tickets in advance? TIA