The term “box office” refers to the place where tickets are sold for entertainment events like movies, plays, concerts, and sports games. But why is it called a “box office” and where did this term originate?
The early days of ticket sales
In the early days of entertainment, tickets were not sold in advance like they are today. Instead, patrons would pay admission directly at the theater on the day of the event. The money collected would be dropped into a locked box (or drawer). At the end of the day, the box would be opened so the theater owner could access the funds.
This box came to be known as the “box office” and the person who managed it and handled ticket sales was called the box office manager. The box office was typically located in the theater lobby near the entrance so it would be easily accessible to patrons as they arrived.
Advance ticket sales emerge
As entertainment events grew in popularity in the 19th century, theaters began selling tickets in advance to ensure sell-out crowds. Paper tickets were printed and sold at the box office ahead of time rather than collecting payment at the door on the day of the event.
The box office window remained the place where these advance tickets could be purchased. Patrons would go to the box office window and exchange their money for a paper ticket to that evening’s performance.
Permanent box office structures
In the early 20th century, permanent box office structures started to emerge outside of theater buildings. These freestanding box offices enabled tickets to be sold at hours when the theater was closed.
They were also located at convenient public sites – like busy downtown corners – where they would be easily visible and accessible. The box office became a central hub for buying tickets to all types of entertainment attractions in a city.
Movie theaters and the box office
When movie theaters became popular in the early 20th century, they adopted the “box office” ticketing system already established by live theaters. Patrons would line up at the box office window to purchase their movie tickets before going inside.
As movies grew into a booming business, the box office took on greater importance. The weekly box office gross or ticket sales became a key measure of a movie’s success. And the notion of a “box office hit” was born – a movie that sold a tremendous number of tickets.
The modern box office
Today, box offices are more integrated into the theater building rather than freestanding structures. But they serve the same essential function – selling tickets to movies, plays, concerts, sporting events, and other entertainment attractions.
However, the rise of online and phone ticket sales means that physical box offices may be used less frequently today. Many patrons purchase their tickets remotely and simply pickup tickets at kiosks when they arrive at the venue. Still, the box office remains a standard fixture in most major theaters and entertainment venues.
Why “box office”?
So why has this ticketing location been called a “box office” for more than a century? There are a few key reasons:
- The money collected was originally deposited in a lockbox or drawer at the theater.
- “Box office” was a simple descriptive term for the place where this money box was located and tickets were sold.
- The term box office had already been used in theater context to refer to the manager who handled the box of funds.
- Early box office windows and structures resembled boxes or booths.
- The box office sold boxed or packaged tickets.
The term box office ended up sticking as theaters began selling tickets in advance. It became the established name for the ticket-selling office and counter at entertainment venues.
Unique box office terminology
The box office has also given rise to some unique terminology used in the entertainment industry:
- Box office results – This refers to the sales results and revenue generated by a movie or entertainment event.
- Box office mojo – Slang for having a skill or talent for generating big box office results and creating hits.
- Box office bomb – A production that performs very poorly at the box office and loses money.
- Box office poison – An actor or actress believed to be associated with box office bombs.
Importance of the box office
While no longer just a physical booth, the box office still plays a vital role in the entertainment industry. Box office performance continues to be used to judge success and determine which productions go on to make profits.
Many entertainment industry insiders, journalists, and fans remain obsessed with monitoring box office results on a weekly basis. The mystique and allure of the “box office” lives on even in today’s online world.
Conclusion
So in summary, the box office earned its name from the original ticket booths and cash boxes used at early theaters. Although ticket sales now happen in many different forms, “box office” remains the established term for ticket revenues in the entertainment business.
The box office has been instrumental to the theater business for over a century and continues to be a key measure of success in the multi-billion dollar entertainment industry.