PUBLISHED May 11th, 2017 06:00 am | UPDATED July 25th, 2024 03:01 pm
We love a good movie in a Shaw theatre, but there’s nothing quite like seeing Matilda The Musical or The Sam Willows performing live on stage. Yet, expensive tickets and the associated fees can be a real downer. Looking for cheaper tickets can almost feel like an impossible task, but it doesn’t have to be one if you know how and where to look. For the best deals, read on for eight simple yet effective tips to saving money and plenty of heartaches. After all, what better time to check out Singapore’s booming theatre and music scene than now?
Subscribe to newsletters for early bird offers
Singaporeans always have to be first, right? The best way to save on concert tickets is to make sure you’re always first to be in the know. Simply sign up to the mailing lists of popular ticketing outlets (e.g. SISTIC and Peatix) as well as your favourite theatre groups, festivals, bands, and artists. In most cases, presale and early bird tickets will be released far in advance of a show at discounted rates.
Take advantage of credit card discounts
As kiasu as it may be, research and planning are key when it comes to saving money. Look out for shows and performances that offer discounts and advance tickets to certain credit card holders. Don’t have that particular card? Simply rope in a favour from a friend to help you purchase that ticket, then buy him a kopi with the money you’ve just saved.
Purchase season passes
This is usually only applicable to theatre, arts, and music groups that produce shows regularly. Local companies like Pangdemonium and Singapore Dance Theatre offer season passes that let you attend shows at a cheaper collective price than if you were to purchase tickets for each of them separately – perfect if you usually catch every single production.
Avoid buying tickets to the first night
If the show in question is running for more than just one day, you can cut costs by buying tickets to a later night, or by watching a matinee (afternoon) performance. Typically, Friday and Saturday nights are more expensive compared to weekdays. You might be watching the show a few days later than all your ‘happening’ friends, but at least you’re a few bucks richer, right?
Enlist the help of fan pages for bulk discounts
Most shows will offer some kind of bulk pricing for large groups, so even if you can’t find friends willing to go with you, consider grouping up with random strangers who are just as big of a fan as you are. Find them on forums, Facebook groups, or even on the event page itself.
Last minute tickets
When push comes to shove, try a seller on the Facebook event page, Carousell, or even at the venue itself. While this applies mostly for large scale music concerts, you might just hit the jackpot for smaller-scale shows. Sometimes a desperate seller might have an extra ticket they want to get rid of – perhaps due to a scheduling conflict – and are willing to part with them for cheap. If you do manage to find a seller online, just make sure you set aside some time to meet up with the person.
Participate in giveaways
Want to get tickets for free? Radio stations like 987FM, OneFM 913, KISS92 and other major channels usually offer ticket giveaways to callers, though that means you’ll have to be constantly tuned in. Alternatively, many groups themselves, as well as media publications like us hold social media contests on Facebook and Instagram to find lucky winners.
Become a volunteer for the show
But if you don’t manage to win a giveaway, don’t fret. Simply volunteer for the show (technically you’ll have to work for it, but there’s no such thing as a free lunch)! Check a theatre group page or even a music festival website to see if they’re still looking for volunteers, and you’ll get to attend the concert for free. Plus points if you have experience with stage setup, lighting, sound, or cleanup.
Top Image: Pangdemonium’s RENT