Love the theatre but not the price? Here’s how to save

Fact Checked

A night at the theatre can be a pricey affair, with tickets to professional productions often costing hundreds of dollars. If you’re a regular theatregoer, or have your heart set on seeing Pretty Woman before it leaves the Aussie stage, discount ticket sites, resale offers and exclusive venue discounts can help cut costs. But it’s important to know where to find these tickets and how to tell a legitimate offer from a scam.

1. Lotteries and rush tickets

One way to score discounted tickets to theatre shows is to take advantage of ticket lotteries and rush tickets. 

Some websites, like TodayTix, run lotteries where you can add your name to the draw for a chance to pick up heavily discounted tickets on show day. While the tickets are short notice, they’re a great option for anyone looking to enjoy the theatre for less. 

However, before buying from a discount ticket site, always check the price directly with the performance venue. While sites like TodayTix and Tix can offer great deals, they aren’t always the cheapest. For example, we found cheaper tickets for both Pretty Woman and Annie by going directly to the QPAC website where the shows are staged in Brisbane.

Another option are rush tickets, which are cheaper tickets for same-day shows typically sold directly through the theatre’s website. If you’re hoping for a rush ticket to a particular show, you’ll need to check the theatre’s website and social media accounts regularly and be ready to purchase as soon as they become available.

Here are some other ways to score cheap theatre tickets across Australia: 

• QLD: Queensland Theatre – $20 student rush tickets, available at theatre’s discretion.
• NSW: Sydney Theatre Company – $35 Seat Sweep tickets for select shows.  
• VIC: Melbourne Theatre Company – $35 weekend rush tickets, $26 Seat Savers. tickets for concession card holders.
• SA: State Theatre Company South Australia – rush tickets, available at theatre’s discretion. 

2. Theatre memberships and season passes

Many theatres around Australia offer memberships or subscriptions that come with exclusive deals and discounts. Depending on your local theatre, you may be able to access discounted tickets, food and drinks packages, and early sales notifications.

• QLD: Queensland Theatre season pass (discounted ticket packages).
• NSW: The Glen Street Theatre membership (discounted tickets and drinks, priority sale notifications).
• VIC: Melbourne Theatre Company season pass (discounted tickets, ticket packages and drinks). 
• SA: State Theatre Company (discounted tickets, access to exclusive deals).
• ACT: Canberra REP Theatre membership (discounted tickets and drinks).
• WA: Black Swan State Theatre Company (discounted ticket packages, food and drink plus access to prize draws). 
• TAS: Theatre Royal Hobart season pass (discounted tickets, ticket packages, food and drinks). 
• NT: AANT Centre membership (discounted tickets and drinks, access to exclusive presales).

3. Youth, student and seniors programs 

Most theatres have benefits for students and young people including cheap tickets and packages. Just make sure you present your Student Card at the Box Office. 

• QLD: Opera Queensland – 10% discount for full-time students and seniors.
• NSW: Sydney Theatre Company – discounted tickets for Student Card holders, under 30s and seniors.
• VIC: Malthouse Theatre – discounted tickets for students and seniors.
• SA: State Theatre Company – discounted tickets, access to exclusive offers and giveaways for Young Members aged 16-25 years old as well as discounted senior, under 30 and full time student single tickets and subscriptions (ticket packages).
• ACT: The Street Theatre – where available discounted tickets for full-time students, seniors and $30 tickets for under 30s.
• WA: The Blue Room Theatre – discounted tickets for students and seniors.
• TAS: Theatre Royal Hobart – where available $30 tickets for under 30s, full-time students and seniors.
• NT: Araluen Arts Centre – $6 tickets for students and seniors (adult price $8).

4. Fringe festivals and independent shows

If you like seeing emerging or unique performers, try Fringe Festivals or independent theatres. Many offer discounted or budget-friendly shows where you can see a variety of local and touring artists. 

• QLD: La Boite Theatre – $10-20 off tickets for preview shows. 
• NSW: Griffin Theatre – ticket giveaways via its website.
• VIC: Melbourne Fringe Festival – concession tickets, discounted tickets for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, discounted preview tickets and Wednesday shows, 25% off tickets with a membership. 
• SA: Adelaide Fringe Festival – ticket prices averaging $36.70 per show (as of October 2025).
• ACT: Canberra Theatre Centre – concession prices available for all shows booked through Canberra Ticketing. 
• WA: Fringe World – concession prices, discounted preview tickets and same-day discounts through RushTix.
• TAS: Town Hall Theatre – concession prices and discounted member prices 
• NT: Brown’s Mart – theatre shows from $19 for concession card holders (as of October 2025).

5. Other hacks for cheap tickets 

There are a number of other ways to save on shows, with some theatres offering discounts on weekdays, off-peak times and preview shows. 

• Follow theatres and individual shows on social media: some theatre and show social media accounts post special offers like rush tickets.
• Go off peak: choose a mid-week ticket for a cheaper deal.
• Join mailing lists: you may get sent exclusive offers and early access to ticket sales.
• Attend previews: see a show during the dress rehearsal before the official opening.
• Choose a restricted view: seats with a restricted view are often cheaper. 
• Go with friends: group bookings may be offered at a discounted price.

Beware of ticket scammers

Buying second-hand tickets in Australia can be a minefield of scams and inflated prices.

While reselling tickets (also known as scalping) is allowed, there’s a catch. In most parts of Australia, it’s illegal to sell a ticket for more than 10% above its original price.

Some websites, like Viagogo, have been in hot water for misleading customers. The ACCC fined Viagogo $7 million in 2020 for misleading customers into thinking it was an official reseller for tickets to various concerts and events. It’s a good reminder that just because a website looks legitimate, doesn’t mean it is. You should also be cautious of marked-up tickets on online marketplaces like Facebook and Gumtree.

If you’re going to purchase secondhand tickets, always do it through an official resale website, such as Ticketmaster Resale or Tiketek Marketplace. 

Before you buy, always check the original price of the ticket. Paying any more than 10% over this price means the seller is likely breaking the law and you’re getting ripped off.