Tickets to live theatrical events are often thought of to be expensive and exclusively for the upper-middle class. But in recent decades, many companies are offering cheaper tickets to those who can’t shell out the big bucks. When it opened on Broadway in 1996, the blockbuster Rent introduced the concept of rush tickets – highly discounted tickets sold the day of the show – and allowed Broadway to be more accessible to a new demographic of showgoers. Today, there are many ways to save on ticket and land premium seats without having to break the bank. 

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Here is a list of ways to save on performing arts tickets in Toronto. This list is updated regularly. However, information is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please check with each company for the most up-to-date and accurate information. 

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Note: Due to the lack of live performing arts events in the city caused by COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, these programs have been paused. 

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Canadian Opera Company
Free Concert Series
The COC offers a series of free concerts at the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre in the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts. Many of these events feature soloists from the COC and/or chamber music ensembles from the community. Most performances occur during the lunch-hour and are an hour in length. 
Opera Under 30
Opera-goers under the age of 30 can purchase $22 tickets and can choose seats in the back of Ring 5. Tickets can be purchased online in advance and can be picked up at the box office prior to the performance upon presenting proper identification. For $35, patrons under 30 can purchase Opera Under 30 Plus tickets, which are similar to the regular program, but offers the chance for a seat upgrade on the morning of the performance, subject to availability. These Plus tickets are only sold when the odds of an upgrade are good. Buyers can purchase two tickets at this discounted price for the same performance. They may bring a guest of any age. Tickets purchased online and by phone are subject to a per-ticket service charge of $5. 
Standing Room
Approximately 60 standing room tickets for the back of Ring 3 and Ring 4 are available at 11 a.m. on the day of each performance for $12. Tickets can be purchased in person only at the box office. These spots offer a great view of the stage, through some locations on Ring 3 are SURTITLES™ obstructed. Each standing room spot has a coat hook and a leaning rail. There is a limit of two standing room tickets per person. . 
Rush Tickets
The COC also offers rush tickets at 11 a.m. on the day of each performance. Tickets can be purchased in person only at the box office. Prices vary, but sometimes, discounts of up to 50 per cent are offered. Seating is at the discretion of the box office, with seats in the orchestra sometimes offered. There is a limit of two rush tickets per person. 

 

Canadian Stage
Shakespeare in High Park
Shakespeare in High Park is an affordable way for families and individuals to see classical theatre in the city. Canadian Stage produces two Shakespeare productions each summer, playing in repertory. Most seats in the High Park Amphitheatre are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and are pay-what-you-can, with a recommended donation of $20. Premium seats can be reserved for a higher price. 

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Crow’s Theatre
Rush tickets are offered for select performances at the box office prior to the performance. Consult the company’s website for show listings. 

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Factory Theatre
Toonie Tuesdays
One Tuesday performance during each run is designated a Toonie Tuesday performance. Patrons can purchase tickets for $2 by lining up at 5 p.m. for that evening’s performance. First-come, first-served and cash only. Toonie Tuesday performances are announced on the company’s website. 
Sunday Rush Tickets
A limited number of in-person rush tickets are available for every Sunday matinee. Rush tickets are $20 each and go on sale every Sunday at 12 p.m. Rush tickets may only be purchased in person at the box office the same day as the performance. 

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hipTIX and hipTIXplus
In partnership with multiple theatre, opera, and dance companies across Toronto, hipTIX offers high school and university students between the ages of 14 - 29 years old the opportunity to purchase $5 tickets to shows. Tickets may be purchased in advance and buyers must show proper student identification before picking up tickets at the box office. For largers shows produced by Soulpepper and Mirvish Productions, hipTIXplus offers $25 tickets. Seating is at the discretion of the box office. 

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National Ballet of Canada
Rush Tickets
The NBC offers rush tickets at 11 a.m. on the day of each performance. Prices vary, but sometimes, discounts of up to 50 per cent are offered. Seating is at the discretion of the box office, with seats in the orchestra sometimes offered. There is a limit of two rush tickets per person. They can be purchased online using the promo code ‘RUSH’, by telephone at 1866-345- 9595, or in person at the box office. 
Standing Room
Approximately 60 standing room tickets for the back of Ring 3 and Ring 4 are available at 11 a.m. on the day of each performance for $12. These tickets are only sold at the box office. These spots offer a great view of the stage. Each standing room spot has a coat hook and a leaning rail. There is a limit of two standing room tickets per person. 
DanceBreak
Patrons between 16 and 29 years old can join the NBC’s youth membership programme DanceBreak, which offers discounted tickets to ballet performances. In addition, buyers do not have to pay a service fee. The programme is free to join. Ring 5 tickets are $25 and better seats are $45. Tickets may not be available for all performances and tickets to The Nutcracker are not offered through the programme. 

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Opera Atelier
Individuals between 15 and 30 years old can purchase up to two tickets for $15 subject to availability using the promo code ‘OPERATIX’. Tickets can be picked up at the box office and identification must be shown. Individuals can bring a guest of any age.

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Shaw Festival 
Special Matinees 
Students and seniors can purchase $25 and $31 tickets, respectively, for performances marked as ‘special matinees’. Valid identification needed when picking up tickets. 
Under 30 Pricing
Individuals up to 29 years old can purchase tickets to any performance for $30. Indenfitication is required when collecting tickets.  
Today’s Deal
Shaw Festival offers savings for some same day performances. Check the company’s website for show listings. 

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Stratford Festival
Play On
Individuals aged 16 to 29 years old can access discounted tickets online by registering for free, loging in, and selecting ‘Play On’. Tickets start at $19 and increase to $49 for the best seats and can be collected at the box office with valid identification prior to the performance. 
Fireworks Deal
Performances over holiday weekends offer 30 per cent savings. 
2-for-1 Evenings
Select evening performance on Sunday, Tuesday or Thursday offer 2-for-1 pricing. Buy one regular ticket and get the second one free. Check the company’s website for show listings. 
Rush Tickets 
Save up to 50% on up to four rush tickets beginning two hours before the show, subject to availability. Rush tickets are not available online and must be purchased at the box office or via phone at 800-567-1600. Rush tickets are not available by phone after 5 p.m. for Friday and Saturday evening nor after 2 p.m. for Sunday performances. 

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Tafelmusik
Patrons under 35 years old can sign up for the free Tafelscene program to access discounted $20 tickets to select performances. 

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Tarragon Theatre
Seniors’ Tickets
Senior patrons can access tickets priced at $30 - $50 dollars. 
Tarragon 22
Arts workers and individuals under 35 years old can access $22 tickets by creating a free Tarragon Theatre account and using the code ‘Tarragon22’ when purchasing tickets. These discount tickets are available for the first three weeks of performances, except opening night. 
Student Tickets
Students of any age, with valid identification, can purchase $22 tickets for preview shows and $29 tickets for shows after opening night. No promo code needed. Simply select the option from the dropdown menu when purchasing tickets. 
Rush Tickets
For every performance except opening night, $20 rush tickets are sold, subject to availability, in person at the box office two hours prior to show time. Cash only. Maximum two tickets per person. 

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Theatre Passe Muraille
All tickets for season performances are pay-what-you-can afford with three price points: $5, $25, and $50. Tickets for the BUZZ Development Series are $5, $10, and $20. 

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TodayTix
TodayTix offers saving of up to 50 per cent on tickets to shows in Toronto, including larger productions such at Soulpepper, Canadian Opera Company, at Stratford Festival. Tickets can be purchased on the same day or up to 30 days before a performance. For some shows, seating can be chosen by the purchaser, while at other times, it is at the discretion of the box office. Be sure to download the app and sign up for notifications.

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Toronto Symphony Orchestra
Individuals between the ages of 15 and 35 years old can sign up for the TSOUNDCHECK program, which offers discounted tickets to select performances starting at $19 for orchestra tickets. Up to two tickets may be purchased, and the buyer may bring a guest of any age. 

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Soulpepper
Patrons 25 years old or younger can reserve a pair of free tickets to many same day Soulpepper shows. Tickets can be booked online and buyers can choose their seats. Tickets are picked up at the box office and patrons must show identification with their date of birth. Though the ticket(s) must be purchased by someone 25 years old or younger, the buyer may bring along someone of any age.