What are theater box office discounts? Of course, leave it to Rent to set the trend. When Rent premiered in 1996, it was the first show to offer a limited number of $20 tickets on the day of the performance, according to Playbill. Most Broadway theaters and many off-Broadway venues followed suit. While not every discount is available to everyone – for example, some are for students – these tickets are a great way to see a show for a bargain price.

Here’s a list of the various discount options. They can change without notice, so it never hurts to call the theater box office.

• General Rush
  Open to all comers, rush tickets are unsold, unclaimed, restricted-view, or specially set-aside tickets available about an hour prior to curtain. It’s first-come, first-served.
  
  
• Lottery
  These are usually front-row tickets available through a drawing and often for cash only. Submit your name at the theater at the specified time and return at the specified time to see who won.
  
  
• Standing Room
  This varies by theater, but standing room only tickets, also known as SRO, are often available when a show is sold out. Even then, you sometimes get seated in the second act if places are available.
  
  
• Student Rush
  Many theaters reserve seats at discount for students. Policies vary by theater, but in every case you must have a valid student ID.