Do you love theatre but don't want to empty your wallet for one show? Here are some ideas for how to see shows for less and tips if you happen to live in D.C.

1. Don't wait until the last minute to buy your ticket(s).

This makes a whole lot of sense: the longer the ticket sales have been happening, the sooner the good cheap seats get snatched up. Don't wait until the last minute to buy your tix.

2. Ask about discounts, especially for students.

You'd be surprised at how many theatres offer student discounts. All you need to do is ask. Other times, instead of discounts, there will be a night-of lottery that you can enter to try to win tickets, so make sure to ask about that as well.

3. Check out the TKTS booth for Broadway shows.

The TKTS discount ticket booth in Times Square offer great prices on select Broadway shows. Check out the iphone app to look up dates and performances. When buying the tickets, make sure to get in line in early - it's usually a long wait.

4. Choose Vivid Seats over Ticketmaster.

I've always found better priced tickets and options on Vivid Seats whether it's a concert or Broadway play. I also find the site more user friendly.

If you live in D.C., here are some theatre-specific discounts to look into:

The Kennedy Center

Every night at 6 p.m. there is a free show at the Millennium Stage. The subjects range from hip hop to jazz to even a trombone concert. It's a great way to broaden your cultural horizons without paying a cent.

Full time students are eligible for the Specially Priced Tickets (SPTs) - a limited number of tickets that are 50% off the full box office price. They are available on the first day of ticket sales for a particular show, so make sure to check those out as soon as possible.

If you are between ages 18 and 30, you can sign up for the MyTix program which also offers discounts on select performances and chances to win tickets as well.

Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company

For the first two performances of any main stage production, you can line up outside (get there around 3 p.m.) for Pay What You Can Nights. Yes, you can pay whatever you want (you have to something in cash) for two tickets at the box office on the night of the show.

Don't want to wait in a line? There are seats for the under 30 crowd for $20 that you can order online. You must show a valid ID when you pick the tickets up at the box office.

Finally, you can also try the Stampede Seats - two hours before the show about 10 side balcony seats go on sale for $15 at the box office.