WAIT TO THE LAST MINUTE

When it gets down to a couple hours before the performance, the theater may start selling "rush" tickets at a fraction of the price. It would rather sell the seats at a bargain than let them go empty. Consolidated discount ticket booths are popping up in cities nationwide. Or call your favorite home-town theater to see if it offers price cuts directly to the public right before show time.

Of course, there's a good chance a show will sell out. So it pays to keep your plans flexible.