Cheap Seats – Toronto Theatre on a Budget

Discounted Toronto Theatre Tickets

Some theatre companies in Toronto offer discounted PWYC and Rush tickets for certain performances. It’s a great way to see more theatre in Toronto. Or to see something different without investing a lot of money.

Some theatre companies have special programs for young theatre-goers – usually aimed at people between 21 and 30. You can find these on the theatre website. There are also usually senior and student prices, also on the website.

Every Tuesday Mooney on Theatre posts a curated list of cheap theatre in Toronto – shows with tickets that cost $25.00 or less. If you subscribe you’ll get email updates of our reviews and recommendations.

Yay, now you can afford to see more theatre in Toronto!

The list is a work in progress. If you know of another theatre that has discounted tickets send us the link to the ticket price page on their website and we’ll add it. Or leave it in the comments.

First – a couple of definitions:

PWYC – Pay What You Can. Some theatre companies have a “suggested” donation, or price, but if you can’t manage that just say so and pay what you can. Often these are ‘cash only’ and are available in person from the box office. These are often matinee performances.

Rush tickets  – Last minute discounted tickets offered by theatre companies, based on availability, on the day of the performance, usually an hour before curtain time. Often cash only and are available in person from the box office.

Buddies in Bad Times Theatre
Buddies in Bad Times Theatre ticket options

  • PWYC – Sunday matinees for most performances, in person at the box office excluding previews and opening night
  • Rush tickets – $20.00 rush tickets for select performances (typically Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evening) offered at noon on the day of the performance, in person at the box office

Canstage
Canstage ticket options:

  • PWYC Tuesdays – $20.00 suggested,In person at the box office if available
  • Rush tickets – 50% of top tickets prices one hour before show time if available
  • C-Stage under 30 – $15.00
  • Arts Worker – $22.00

Factory Theatre
Factory Theatre ticket options:

  • PWYC – $15.00 suggested, Sunday matinee for certain shows, in person at the box office
  • Rush tickets – $15.00 Tuesday through Saturday, excluding previews and opening night, if available

Tarragon Theatre
Tarragon Theatre ticket options:

  • Rush tickets – $15.00 Every performance excluding opening night, subject to availability, in person at the box office, updates on Twitter @TarragonTheatre

Theatre Francais
Theatre Francais ticket options

  • PWYC – Wednesday evening, in person at the box office one hour before curtain.
  • Rush tickets – $20.00, Saturday evening, in person at the box office 1 hour before curtain
  • Also Seniors, Under-30, and Artist ticket prices for each show
  • Previews – Discounted tickets

Theatre Passe Muraille
Theatre Passe Muraille ticket options:

  • PWYC – $15.00 suggested, Saturday and Sunday matinees, in person at the box office

TOtix
TOtix ticket options

  • Half-price and discounted tickets in person at the booth and online

Soulpepper
Soulpepper ticket options:

  • Rush tickets – $25.00 ( 21 and under – $5.00), in person at the box office
  • StagePlay 21 to 30 years old, advance tickets for Monday night performances

Do you know other theatres that should be on the list? Send us the link to their ticket options page and we’ll add it to the list. Or leave it in the comments.