No trip to the Big Apple is complete without adding a live performance to the “to do” list. And there is likely no other city in the USA to rival the caliber and range of performance options. But you don’t have to spend the entire travel budget to find quality entertainment. Fortunately, discount tickets are available from a number of sources.

1) TKTS
These outlets offer same-day tickets to Broadway, Off-Broadway and other arts events at up to 50% off original prices. While that’s a great deal from anyone’s perspective, tickets are offered solely on availability, so if you have your heart set on seeing a particular show, you run the risk of it not being available. The Times Square location sells day-of-performance tickets only, while the South Street Seaport booth offers up tickets to evening performances on the day of the performance, and matinee tickets the day before. Tips: If you’re willing to plan ahead, you might find the South Street location has a better selection as it tends to be less crowded. On the other hand, if you drop by the Times Square location between 5pm and 8pm, you might luck out as additional tickets often go on sale immediately before the start of a performance and the lines are markedly shorter close curtain time. For more information about TKTS locations and times of operation, go to the Theatre Development Fund website at www.tdf.org and follow the TKTS link.

2) Carnegie Hall
Senior-citizen and student “rush” discount tickets are available, when announced for presentations in the Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage, Weill Recital Hall, and Zankel Hall. These specially priced tickets are only available at the box office, and can be purchased until one hour before concert time. Valid ID is required. Sales are cash only. Rush ticket quantities are limited, and tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Note that rush tickets are not offered for all events, and when offered, tickets are subject to availability. Another discount program worth investigating comes in the form of $10 partial-view seats. A limited number of partial-view seats are available to the general public on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of the performance beginning at 12 PM. This offer applies to events presented by Carnegie Hall in Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage (excluding Carnegie Hall Family Concerts and gala events). Limit: two tickets per customer, subject to availability. Cash only. Box office sales only. For more information, stop by the box office or call 212-247-7800 on the day of the event. www.carnegiehall.org

3) Juilliard School
The school’s famous Music, Drama, Opera, and Dance divisions all put on performances at little or no cost to the public. Seniors’ discounts apply to most performances that charge an entrance fee. Tickets are required for all performances and can be obtained at the box office beginning two weeks before the show. A standby line forms outside the theater an hour prior to show time. Box office is located at 60 Lincoln Center Plaza. www.julliard.edu

4) New York Philharmonic
Senior tickets can only be purchased at the Avery Fisher Hall box office the day of the performance. For senior rush ticket availability please call 212-875-5656. www.newyorkphilharmonic.org

5) Metropolitan Opera
Fifty tickets are set aside for seniors 65+ for all regular Monday through Thursday performances (for standard-priced, non-gala performances). Instead of having to stand in line, seniors can reserve their tickets by phone. The $20 orchestra tickets (usually $100) go on sale beginning at noon on the day of the performance, or by calling 212-362-6000. Another option allows tickets to be purchased online by following the links to the Varis Senior Rush Tickets page. The offer is restricted to two tickets per order, and proof of age is required when tickets are picked up at the Box Office. www.metopera.org

6) More deals can be found the Theatre Development Fund (212-221-0885). TDF, the nation's largest nonprofit service organization for the performing arts, offers discount vouchers for Off-Off-Broadway productions and other events sponsored by small, independent production companies. For those who are eligible (including seniors 62+) it's a great deal. For more information, follow the membership link at www.tdf.org

Other New York entertainment options will be discussed in future postings.