Tips, tricks, and ways to score deals and bargains on live shows

While catching a Broadway show or award-winning play may be an invaluable experience, seeing great theatre can be more accessible than you might think. Whether you’re hoping to attend more often or make the most of your entertainment budget, there are plenty of ways to save. From promo codes to package deals to lottery programs, here’s how to get more shows for your buck in Denver.

Lucky Seat

Easy peasy, Lucky Seat is an online company that helps you score tickets on the cheap, be that for theatre, sports, concerts, or other live performances. It started in New York City in 2015, centering on a group of Broadway theatres. Since then, Lucky Seat has spread throughout the country and England.

It’s easy to sign up. Once you do, make sure to opt-in for notifications, so you can enter when tickets become available. Increase your odds by picking all available dates and go for one ticket rather than two. If you’re lucky, you will receive an email and text message, and then you have to go claim and pay for the low-cost ticket(s) online within a day.

While the tickets remain affordable (think around $30 for traveling Broadway show seats), there are some downsides. First, you don’t know where you’re sitting until the day of the show. It could be really great orchestra seats, the tip-top row in the whole venue, or a partial view spot. You also aren’t guaranteed to get two seats together if you requested a pair, though usually they will be.

Get a Season Pass

At most theaters, you can save a lot of money by subscribing. Some venues offer a set number of tickets to each performance, while others, like the DCPA, have flexible options. Not only does becoming a member lock in a select seat, day, and time, but it also gives visitors the best price on tickets.

SCFD Access Shows & Performances

Though the shows and tickets are limited, the Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) offers low-cost tickets to a selection of its shows through SCFD Access Sales, made possible by voter support of the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District. Sales are scheduled periodically throughout the year for a limited time. Sign up for emails to receive day-of-sale reminders.

There’s not much choice when it comes to when you can see the show or where to sit, but if you’re flexible, this is a great way to experience theatre in Denver on a budget. Prices vary, and there’s a limit to four tickets per show. Keep in mind, for this deal, all sales are final.

Giveaways

Occasionally, area theatres manage ticket giveaways on social media, so make sure to follow these theatres on Instagram and keep in mind there are many other theatres throughout Colorado.

• Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities @arvadacenter
• Butterfly Effect Theatre Company @butterflyeffect_theatre
• Buntport Theater Company @buntporttheater717
• Curious Theatre Company @curioustheatre
• Denver Center for the Performing Arts @denvercenter
• Lakewood Cultural Center @lakewoodcogov
• Littleton Townhall Arts Center @townhallartsctr
• Local Theater Company @localtheaterco
• Lone Tree Arts Center @ltartscenter
• Miners Alley Performing Arts Center @minersalleyplayhouse
• Motus Theater @motustheater
• Parker Arts Center (PACE) @parkerartsco
• Performance Now Theatre Company @performancenowtheatre
• Phamaly Theatre Company @phamalytheatre
• Stage Door Theatre Company @stagedoortheatreco
• Su Teatro Cultural & Performing Arts Center @su_teatro
• Vintage Theatre Productions @vintagetheatreproductions

Free Shakespeare

Every fall and spring, the Denver Center for the Performing Arts hits the road with its popular Shakespeare in the Parking Lot performances. Held on Saturdays throughout the metro area, the troupe performs abridged versions of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Romeo and Juliet on their pickup truck set.

Plus, the cast stays for a short Q&A with the audience after the show.

Visit Regional Theaters throughout the Area

The metro Denver area teems with great theatre. Visiting these spots is a great way to see live shows. For example, venues such as the Arvada Center in Arvada, Miners Alley Performing Arts Center in Golden, and Lone Tree Arts Center have seasonal programs featuring plays, musicals, cabaret, and more. Many area cultural organizations post discount offers at scfd.org, so make sure to check it out before you go.

Discount Codes for Qualified Groups

The Denver Center for the Performing Arts often provides 50% off to students, teachers, military, first responders, and seniors through its Rush Ticket program. While not guaranteed for every show, it never hurts to stop by the ticket counter 1 hour before showtime and inquire about availability.

Additionally, qualified groups can save on advance ticket purchases. Enter the codes below before selecting tickets and, if eligible, the discount price will be applied in the shopping cart. Expect to show identification of eligibility when picking up tickets.

Students

Students can score $35 tickets to locally produced Denver Center Theatre Company shows with code STUDENT.

Teachers

Teachers are invited to sit back, relax, and save 15% off select shows with code EDUCATOR.

Military & First Responders

Active and retired military personnel and first responders may save 15% on participating shows with code BLUESTAR. Also, an allotment of tickets is occasionally available through VetTix and 1st Tix.

Seniors

Seasoned arts lovers are welcome to save 15% on select plays and musicals with code SENIOR.

Under 30? You’re In Luck

Those between the ages of 18 and 30 can join the Denver Center’s Radvantage program. Sign up online for a $30 seasonal membership. Then, you’ll be able to purchase two discounted tickets for select shows. The savings depend on the performance but could be up to 80% off.

Just make sure you’re honest about your age; you will have to show your ID for that first show at the box office. After that, subsequent orders will show up in your DCPA Ticket Wallet.

There are many good resources to check before buying tickets to any cultural attraction. Make sure to check out the low-cost and free options at the SCFD website. Plus, Mile High on the Cheap does a great job of sharing offers throughout the area. And for the most comprehensive calendar of what to do and where to go, head to Visit Denver.

The Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) NewsCenter is the organization’s editorial platform for stories, announcements, interviews, and coverage of theatre and cultural programming in Colorado. We are committed to producing accurate, trustworthy, clearly sourced journalism that reflects our mission and serves our community.