Saving when you See a Show

Part of enjoying a major city is taking part in the cultural events available there, especially the theater. The downside is that many of these events come at a steep price – after you pay for admissions, transportation costs, and souvenir purchases, the entertainment bill for a weekend in the city can add up at breakneck speed. What most people don’t realize is that there are many ways to save a few dollars and still enjoy a schedule full of Boston's top shows. Below we’ve outlined a few ways to obtain discounted theater tickets. So for those of you who rarely partake in the theater because of the expense: read up!

Half-Price "Tix"
An excellent idea for those who don’t like to plan too far ahead, BosTix offers half-price theater tickets on the day of performance. There are two outlets in the city, currently located in Faneuil Hall and Copley Square at Boylston and Dartmouth Streets.

Many of the area’s major productions, both touring blockbusters and hot local shows, sell their leftover tickets to BosTix. The outlet can receive anywhere between 20 and 500 seats depending on the production.

Because of their central locations, the BosTix outlets are an almost mandatory stop if you don’t already have evening plans. Why not pick up a set of tickets to one of the area’s shows at a significant markdown? And if you can’t find something that appeals to you from the same-day selection, or if you like to schedule in advance, BosTix also is a Ticketmaster outlet and sells full-price tickets to many Boston-area events, including concerts, sporting events, theater and dance performances, sightseeing tours and dinner cruises.

Both BosTix locations are open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM and Sunday from 11 AM to 4 PM; half price tickets go on sale at 11 AM. The line for tickets usually begin a civil half-hour before opening, although BosTix does recommend arriving earlier on Saturdays to beat the crowds. Don’t bother calling (617-723-5181) unless you need to confirm the hours of operation; BosTix’s information line is a recording that does not allow you to speak to a representative or even leave a message. If you do have questions it is best to stop by the box office directly. Also note that BosTix accepts only cash or travelers’ checks.

Catalog Shopping Finally Pays Off
If you aren’t interested in waiting on lines at BosTix, perhaps you should consider subscribing to ARTS/Mail. Self-described as "Boston’s only free mail order catalog featuring discounted tickets to the arts and cultural travel," ARTS/Mail is the theater-lover’s discount dream. (It is actually published by of ARTS/Boston, a nonprofit organization that also finances BosTix.) The monthly compilation includes descriptions on local productions offered at discounts to subscribers. Available seats range from the Boston Ballet at the Wang Center to independent, avant-garde productions. Though you may not find listings for the most coveted Boston theater, ARTS/Mail is a great way to discover original shows and start-up productions.

Ticket orders can be placed by mail or fax using the order form found in the ARTS/Mail catalog. To receive the catalog (which includes information about fantastic foreign travel programs), call 1-800-ARTS-MAIL. You can also learn more about shows in Boston by checking out the ARTS/Boston web site.

Other Discounts
In addition to the three options discussed above, Boston theater tickets also come at a discount in a few other ways. Many productions offer seats to students and seniors at a markdown. Groups of 20 or more can get tickets through Group Sales (617-338-2000), an agency that contacts theaters to coordinate large-party seating. There are also special prices for specific shows that are available for a limited-time. These deals are frequently publicized through the local media.

By Allyson Krieger

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