Are discount codes a thing of the past?

[Tking0012]

Posted: 1/27/26 at 7:53pm

Are discount codes a thing of the past? I remember BroadwayBox, TheaterMania, Playbill, and others always having codes, plus getting them emailed pretty regularly.

 

I know they were usually more expensive than rush or lotto, but still way better than full price. It was such a good middle-ground option.

 

Anyone else miss the good old days, or know where the discount codes went?

 

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 1/27/26 at 8:52pm

I remember when I would go to https://www.theatermania.com/shows/broadway/?offer=discount and there would be two pages of discounts for years. Since Broadway re-opened in September of 2021, discounts have become less and less. I noticed it last year especially when shows that needed discounts at the beginning (Dead Outlaw) refused to do so. Still, shows like Floyd Collins and a few others had a great discount their entire run. I think as shows get more and more expensive, producers will become less and less willing to give discounts.

This Spring? I found three bux off Mexodus tickets on TodayTix so....it's not looking awesome.

[Fordham2015]

Posted: 1/27/26 at 9:00pm

I got mailers regularly pre-COVID. Today was the first one in ages, for Salesman (code is DOMAIL for those interested)

[everythingtaboo]

Posted: 1/27/26 at 9:55pm

It's really just so sad.

[gibsons2]

Posted: 1/27/26 at 11:05pm

After the post Tony bloodbath last year, when a bunch of new musicals have all quickly closed, I've noticed I stopped receiving regular Theatermania emails with codes. Mailers seemingly have almost disappeared too, but I've received a bunch from off-Broadway houses. Given state of the economy and shifted priorities, I only now buy rush or lottery.  I accepted the fact that  I'll never see a show from a great seat that i can pick myself and thats ok. Some presales have  $49-59 cheap seats, but its very rare nowadays. Drops on TodayTix are a great bargain too, I saw Oedipus for $41 from a great rear mezzanine seat. TDF became a bit pricey a couple of years ago, so I don't think I'll be extending my membership any longer. It's becoming rough out there.

[Melissa25]

Posted: 1/28/26 at 12:30am

Memories like the corners of my mind

Memories

Misty watercolor memories….

I get a bit teary remembering how much I loved the old BroadwayBox.

[CurtainUp4]

Posted: 1/28/26 at 3:05am

I used to use discount codes all the time! It was especially helpful to use them in person at the box office since that meant there would be additional savings without the service fees. Playbill.com still has some codes, but for a very limited number of shows.

https://playbill.com/discount
 

 

[uncageg]

Posted: 1/28/26 at 3:39am

God I miss those Theatermania discounts. Used them whenever I was going to NYC. I think the last discount tickets I got from them were the last two tickets available for a little show called "Spring Awakening" at the Atlantic. We were first row. And we were totally spit on! I have mentioned before that it was on the night they found out they were transferring. We saw six shows on that trip and I got most of the tickets discounted on Theatermania.

[quizking101]

Posted: 1/28/26 at 7:48am

I think the traditional discount code is a thing of the past, unfortunately. It’s sad because my nascent theatregoing days were spending on BroadwayBox searching for discounts.

Most discounts have just been repackaged in different terms, like buying ahead and getting 20-30% off, or seat maps using a dynamic pricing function that raises and lowers prices based on demand. Some shows also change their prices on their own via their website.

Personally, I know CHESS drops their tickets prices for midweek shows on TC around 24-48 hours before showtime for certain sections - so that extreme side rear orchestra seat that was one $125 is now $75.

[Wick3]

Posted: 1/28/26 at 10:20am

I remember the days when telecharge had a different website telechargeoffers.com? to use for promo codes. 

Nowadays I do see some temporary promo codes in instagram stories of the show or I'd just buy tickets through todaytix drops or just do lotter/lrush.

[Merkin2]

Posted: 1/28/26 at 11:08am

I’ve noticed some of the shows starting to sell tickets on the theatr app.  Especially Chess, $80 for rear mezz seats.  Sold by TicketAgentTheater212 lol

[nealb1]

Posted: 1/28/26 at 11:30am

So very sad that it's pretty much a thing of the past.  There was also a great site called SeasonofSavings.com that had codes on it, too.  

[RUkiddingme]

Posted: 1/28/26 at 3:52pm

For people who used discount codes - we will always miss them emotionally.

Dynamic pricing has taken their place.  So people who don't have a history with discount codes don't know any better.

Interesting how the mailer for Salesman does in fact have a code - smart marketing to an older audience who responds well to mailers with codes.

 

[SteveSanders]

Posted: 1/28/26 at 3:55pm

I'm reminded of the backlash when Macy's and JCPenney did away with their constant barrage of coupons and discount codes and went to lower "everyday pricing." 

Management quickly learned ow much people valued feeling like they were getting a deal and reverted back to the old ways fairly quickly.

[Merkin2]

Posted: 1/28/26 at 4:33pm

There’s a discount code out there for Maybe Happy Ending.  Code: VERYHAPPY

[Merkin2]

Posted: 1/28/26 at 7:37pm

I got a mailer today for death of a salesman. My code is different than the one that’s been mentioned, it’s DOASMAIL   Says select orchestra and mezz seats $99

[CJRochester]

Posted: 1/28/26 at 9:04pm

I still receive emails from TheaterMania with discount ticket offers, usually once a week. Most of the offers aren't very good, or are for shows I've already seen, but the TheaterMania emails still exist.