Ticket guide
How discount tickets help Australians see more theatre
By the TIX team · Updated
Discount tickets help Australians see more theatre by lowering the price of a night out – the main barrier to attending for 60% of Australians – and by filling seats that would otherwise stay empty. Services such as TIX gather limited-time offers from producers and venues in one place, making it easier to discover shows and try something new for less.
Cost is the biggest barrier
More Australians are going to live arts events than ever – 74% attended at least one in 2025 – but cost is a growing barrier. In Creative Australia's national arts participation survey, 60% of people said ticket or entry costs were the main thing stopping them, up from 55% in 2022.
How discount ticket services help
They lower the cost of trying something new
A cheaper ticket reduces the risk of seeing an unfamiliar play, a new company or a genre you haven't tried before.
They fill seats that would otherwise be empty
An unsold seat earns nothing once the performance starts. Discounting the remaining seats helps producers and venues recover revenue and gives performers bigger audiences.
They make offers easier to find
Offers are spread across producers, venues and ticket sellers. TIX brings them together by category, city and date, then links to the official seller to book.
They keep tickets legitimate
Because offers come from producers and venues and are booked with authorised sellers, audiences avoid the risks of unofficial resale.
Ways to see more theatre for less
- Lasttix deals on TIX – limited-time discounts on plays, musicals, dance and more.
- Youth and access programs – many companies offer under-30 or under-35 prices, ballots and rush tickets.
- Previews, weeknights and matinees – usually cheaper than opening night or Saturday evenings.
- Subscriptions – booking several shows with one company can save up to 20%.
About TIX
TIX has promoted discounted live entertainment in Australia since Lasttix launched in 2009. It's an independent, Australian owned discovery and deals platform – not a ticket seller – working with promoters, producers and venues across the country. Browse theatre, musicals and current deals.
Frequently asked questions
How do discount ticket services help Australians see more theatre?
They lower the cost of attending – the main barrier for 60% of Australians – make it easier to find offers across producers and venues, and help fill seats that would otherwise be empty.
Are discounted theatre tickets worse seats?
Not necessarily. Some offers apply to particular price reserves, but many are for standard seats on selected dates. Check the offer conditions before choosing seats.
Do discounts hurt theatre companies?
Discounts are set by producers and venues, usually for performances that haven't sold out. Selling a seat at a lower price earns more than leaving it empty and builds audiences for future shows.
What is Lasttix?
Lasttix is TIX's name for its limited-time discounted offers on live events. It launched in 2009 and is now part of TIX; current deals are listed at tix.com.au/deals.