How to Get Cheap Theater Tickets

Although some people associate theater with high prices, watching a theater performance does not have to be expensive. This page provides a guide on how to get cheap theater tickets.

In this audio interview, Jode Susan Millman, the author of ''Seats: New York, Third Edition'', discusses where to find the least expensive tickets, including websites, and which seats are the best. It can pay to listen to this interview for her tips on buying the best seats... such as not buying over the Internet because they sell the worst seats first. Listen to find out how to get the best seats for less.

Comments (1)

smartweb added a comment September 11, 2009 03:28 AM
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Some amazing tips in this audio interview. She gives some really great advice.

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Although some people associate theater with high prices, watching a theater performance does not have to be expensive. This page provides a guide on how to get cheap theater tickets.
Introduction
- If you have the interest for theater performances but not the budget for it, there are several ways to get cheap tickets. As with many deals, these options might not be widely advertised and you often have to be aware of them and specifically inquire for them.
Step 1: Buy the Cheapest Tickets
- Some people don't realize that the high costs associated with theater often applies to the most exclusive seats. Many theaters offer cheaper seating in the back for a fraction of the cost of a front seat ticket. These seats will naturally provide a worse view and a longer distance to the stage, but you should still be able to enjoy the performance.
1. The number of available seats in the cheapest category are usually few.
2. Be straightforward - ask the theater for the cheapest tickets available.
3. Sometimes you have to be out early to get the seats and reservations could be required.
4. At other theaters, these seats are first-come, first serve.
5. If you would like deeper discounts on the cheapest tickets, consider the tips below.
Step 2: Buy Last-Minute Tickets
- Besides from the general cheaper category of seats mentioned above, some theaters offer high discounts on tickets when they are purchased at the last minute.
1. Last-minute tickets are usually bought on location right before the play, although some can be find at discount sites online.
2. Sometimes individuals who are not able to attend the play sell tickets outside the theater immediately before the performance. Be careful and make sure the tickets are legitimate.
Step 3: Attend a Preview
- Many theater shows offer previews of their performance before the official opening. Tickets can usually be bought from the theater but are not always advertised. Ask the theater if there are any upcoming previews.
Step 4: Attend an Alternative Venue
1. If you are not looking for tickets for a specific show or venue, there are many options to see theaters at smaller stages for a price much lower than at any major venue.
2. Independent theaters offer tickets for a cheaper price.
3. Many universities and colleges also offer student performances for low ticket prices.
4. The quality of the performances will vary.
5. Smaller venues have a different atmosphere - if you're lucky, you might like it more than watching performances at a major stage.
Step 5: Other Options
1. If you want to see plays at major venues without the worries of buying last minute-tickets or by attending previews, there are several options to pursue.
2. Consider buying tickets from an online discount site. Make sure you research the Web site to ensure that it's a legitimate and well-known site.
3. Consider buying tickets from a travel agent. Compare prices to the official box-office prices before purchasing the tickets, as they sometimes offer good discounts, but at other times are more expensive than the regular tickets.
4. Join theater mailing lists which might offer occasional discounts.
Conclusion
Attending a play does not have to be a privilege. There are many ways to get cheap theater tickets which allow you to enjoy a performance for a fraction of the price of a regular ticket. Keep in mind that theaters have different types of seating and if you are looking to save as much money as possible, make sure that you are purchasing the least expensive tickets, regardless of which option you pursue.