5 tips for paying less on theatre tickets

Evenings out at the theatre need not just be rare treats. Here are five tips that will help you find cut-price ticket deals so you can make your money go further.

• Preview shows: Book for previews before the show has been reviewed — these first few performances are normally offered at a reduced rate and sometimes even half price.
• Off-peak shows: Look in national and local newspapers for ads offering discounts on major shows at quiet times of the year. Or keep an eye open for flyers offering as much as 40 percent off on the price of tickets.
• Mid-week specials: Booking a subscription package that restricts you to attending the plays to mid-week days is particularly cost-effective. At the Tarragon Theatre in Toronto, for example, a seven-play subscription for any night of the week costs $195, but if you restrict your theatre-going to weekdays and matinees, the same package costs just $155.

Canada's big cities have a lot to offer when it comes to theatre and special events, but tickets can be costly.

• Look online for opportunities to buy tickets half-price on the day of the performance in some cities.

Many theatre groups, symphonies and dance troops use volunteers to staff the door and the aisles.

• Volunteers will usually get to either sit in on the performance the night you work, or get a free ticket for another night.

Theatre and music companies throughout the country frequently put on a show one day a week (usually Sunday or Tuesday) for those who wouldn't otherwise be able to afford to see them.

• Often there's a suggested minimum donation, but get there early or you'll find yourself out on the street.

If you're a keen theatre-goer, it's worth getting on the mailing list of your favourite venues.

• If possible, book directly rather than through an agency, which may add a hefty fee.
• A subscription to a theatre season requires prepayment, but if you plan to attend every play, it may save you up to 30 percent of the cost of the individual tickets. You may also be eligible for other benefits.

Going to the theatre is a valuable and unique experience, not to be missed. Whether you're looking to enjoy a show by yourself or taking the whole family, these tips will help you save money so you can see more for less.