Getting a refund on theatre tickets can be tricky and depends on several factors. Here are quick answers to some common questions about getting refunds on theatre tickets:
Can I get a refund if I can no longer attend the performance?
Most theatres have a strict no refund policy for tickets. However, some may allow you to exchange your tickets for another performance of the same show. Read the fine print when purchasing tickets to understand the refund/exchange rules.
What if the performance is postponed or cancelled?
If the theatre cancels or postpones a performance, you are typically entitled to a refund or exchange. The theatre should notify ticket holders and provide instructions for obtaining refunds.
Can I get a refund if I purchased the wrong tickets?
If you accidentally purchased the wrong tickets, such as the wrong date or wrong seats, the theatre is unlikely to provide a refund. However, you may be allowed to exchange the tickets for the correct ones, sometimes for a fee.
What about refunds for unused tickets?
Most theatres do not provide refunds for unused tickets. It is the customer’s responsibility to attend the performance or resell/gift the tickets if unable to attend. Only in special circumstances might a refund be offered.
Are third-party ticket resellers required to provide refunds?
Rules vary for third-party ticket resellers like Ticketmaster or StubHub. Carefully review the reseller’s refund policy before purchasing. Sometimes a refund is only offered if the event is cancelled, not for personal reasons.
When should I request a refund?
Contact the theatre’s box office as soon as possible if you need a refund due to cancellation, postponement, or incorrect tickets. Have your order number and original payment details ready. Refund processing can take weeks in some cases.
Can I get a partial refund if I had a bad theatre experience?
Unfortunately, theatres do not offer partial refunds if you did not enjoy the performance or had an unsatisfactory experience like a bad seat. Refunds are only provided in the scenarios outlined above.
What options do I have if my refund request is denied?
If the theatre denies your refund request, all you can do is accept their decision, attend a future performance, or attempt to resell the tickets. If you paid with a credit card, you could try disputing the charge.
Conclusion
Getting a refund on theatre tickets is difficult in most cases. Before purchasing tickets, carefully review the venue’s refund and exchange policy listed on their website or printed on the tickets. Only ticket holder illness, show cancellation, or incorrect tickets may qualify you for a refund. Act quickly and have your supporting documents ready if you need to request a refund from the theatre’s box office.
Refund Policies of Major Theatre Chains
Theatre Chain | Refund Policy |
---|---|
Broadway Across America | Exchanges for a future performance allowed up to 48 hours before showtime. No cash refunds. |
Broadway In Chicago | Full refunds issued if event is postponed or cancelled. No refunds for unused tickets. |
Cirque du Soleil | Full refund if show is cancelled. Credit or ticket exchange if tickets are unused. |
Roundabout Theatre Company | Full refunds within 2 hours of purchase. After 2 hours, only exchanges allowed. |
The Kennedy Center | Full refunds issued within 14 days of performance if tickets are unneeded/unused. |
This table provides a quick overview of the refund policies of some of the major theatre chains and Broadway theatres. As shown, most do not offer cash refunds except in limited circumstances like show cancellation. Carefully review each theatre’s policy before purchasing tickets.
Getting Refunds for Cancelled/Postponed Performances
When a performance is cancelled or indefinitely postponed, ticket holders are eligible for a refund. Here is the process to request and obtain a refund in this scenario:
Notification of Cancellation
The theatre will notify ticket holders if a performance is cancelled or postponed indefinitely. This is usually done via email, on the theatre website, and social media.
Refund Request
Contact the box office as soon as possible after the cancellation notice. Have your order number, ticket information, and original payment details available. Request a full refund of the ticket price.
Refund Processing
The theatre will advise you of the timeframe for refund processing. Allow 2-4 weeks in most cases. Refunds are typically issued to the original payment method.
Receipt of Refund
Once processed, the refund amount should appear as a credit on your credit card or bank statement. Check that the amount is correct. Retain records of the refund for your files.
Exchange vs. Refund
Some theatres may only offer ticket exchanges, not cash refunds, if a show is postponed/rescheduled. If given this option, compare exchange dates carefully against your schedule.
In summary, act promptly when notified of a cancellation to have the best chance of getting your money back. Understand all options presented by the theatre’s box office for refunds versus exchanges.
Purchasing Refundable Theatre Tickets
The best way to safeguard yourself when buying theatre tickets is to only purchase refundable tickets. Here are some tips:
Understand Refund Policies
Always review the theatre’s official refund policy before selecting seats and paying. Look for a lenient policy that allows refunds for most reasons.
Buy Refundable Tickets
Some theatres offer more expensive tickets that can be refunded for any reason for a specified window. Only buy these refundable tickets.
Avoid Resale Sites
Tickets from third party resellers often cannot be refunded. Only use official theatre websites and box offices.
Pay with a Credit Card
A credit card offers the most protection to dispute a charge if a refund is unfairly denied.
Get Refund Guarantees
Look for money-back guarantees offered by certain theatres. This ensures a conditional refund.
Scrutinize policies and purchase the right tickets upfront to avoid losing money on unused or unwanted theatre tickets. Refundable tickets cost more but guarantee flexibility.
When Refund Requests are Denied
Despite your best efforts, theatres do deny refund requests on occasion. Here is how to respond if your request for a ticket refund is turned down:
Ask for an Exception
Politely ask the box office supervisor if an exception can be made given your personal circumstances and appreciation for their policies.
Request an Exchange
Ask to exchange the tickets for a future performance instead of getting a cash refund, if allowed.
Resell the Tickets
Use a ticket resale platform to try to recoup some of your costs by reselling the tickets.
Dispute the Charge
File a dispute with your credit card company regarding the theatre ticket charge to further press your case.
Accept the Loss
If all appeals are declined, cut your losses and absorb the cost, learning a lesson for next time.
Stay calm and persistent if your refund request is initially denied. Politely speak with supervisors, accept exchanges, or resell tickets to salvage the situation.
How to Avoid Theatre Ticket Refund Issues
You can sidestep many theatre ticket refund headaches by taking these preventative steps:
- Read refund policies closely before buying tickets
- Only purchase refundable tickets when possible
- Avoid third party resellers with no refunds
- Triple check event details and ticket accuracy
- Save all ticket information and correspondence
- Mark calendar well ahead of performance dates
- Request refunds promptly if qualified
- Follow up appropriately if a refund is denied
Being an informed consumer, planning ahead, and acting quickly are the keys to maximizing your chances for a theatre ticket refund. Mistakes and changes happen, but you can control some factors.
Alternatives to Refunds for Unwanted Tickets
If you are stuck with theatre tickets you cannot use, and refunds are unavailable, look into these options instead:
Gift the Tickets
Give the tickets to a friend, family member, or charity to enjoy the show.
Resell the Tickets
Sell the tickets on a ticket exchange site to recover some of the cost.
Trade the Tickets
Swap the tickets for other tickets on a ticket trading platform.
Donate the Tickets
Donate the tickets to a non-profit or charity for them to use or auction.
Negotiate an Exception
Discuss your specific situation with the box office for a possible exception.
If you are left holding useless theatre tickets, explore these alternatives to get some value instead of a refund. You may even help others by transferring or donating the tickets.
Using Travel Insurance for Theatre Tickets
One last option to safeguard your theatre ticket investment is to purchase travel insurance that covers theatre tickets. Here’s how it works:
Trip Cancellation Policies
Some travel insurance policies cover prepaid entertainment and theatre tickets if you have to unexpectedly cancel your trip.
Ticket Refund Guarantee
Other policies specifically guarantee refunds for unused theatre and events tickets in certain scenarios.
Change of Plans
If you can’t go to a show due to a covered reason, the insurance reimburses you for the ticket costs.
Peace of Mind
Insurance gives peace of mind knowing you can get your money back if plans change.
Read the Fine Print
Verify the details of any travel insurance policy to understand exactly what is and isn’t covered.
Look into travel insurance options when planning a theatre/Broadway trip. It can provide a safety net to get your money back in case you need to cancel.