Everything you need to streamline sales, reduce stress, and deliver a polished recital experience
For many dance studios, recitals are the culmination of months of hard work. But behind the scenes, ticketing can quickly become a logistical headache — from managing seat assignments to handling payments and check-ins. Whether you’re a small studio hosting your first show or a seasoned operation looking to simplify things, this guide walks you through the best practices, tools, and tips for dance recital ticketing.
Why Ticketing Matters More Than You Think
Ticketing isn’t just about making money — it’s about shaping the entire experience for both families and your studio team. A smooth ticketing system:
Reduces administrative burden
Minimizes errors and double-bookings
Allows for better control of venue capacity
Creates a professional image for your studio
Helps track attendance and revenue
And perhaps most importantly: it lets you focus on the performance, not the paperwork.
Key Questions to Ask Before You Sell Tickets
Before choosing a platform or method, consider:
Do you want assigned seating or general admission?
Will ticket sales be online, in-person, or both?
Are you offering VIP, early access, or comp tickets?
Do you need to manage multiple shows or venues?
Will families need to buy tickets for multiple children in different performances?
Answering these upfront will help you choose the right tools and avoid backtracking later.
Online vs. Manual Ticketing: What's Best?
| Feature | Manual Ticketing | Online Ticketing (e.g., DRT) |
|---|---|---|
| Seat Selection | Limited / Static | Interactive seating chart |
| Payment Handling | Cash/check only | Secure credit card + refunds |
| Admin Workload | High | Low - automation built-in |
| Reporting & Analytics | None | Real-time sales + data |
| Customer Experience | Confusing | Seamless mobile experience |
Studios that switch to a dedicated recital ticketing system often see fewer no-shows, faster check-ins, and more revenue.
Assigned Seating vs. General Admission
Assigned Seating is great for large venues or tiered pricing. Families love being able to choose their seats in advance. Assigned seating also drives an increase in revenue for the studio.
General Admission works for casual or small-scale events, especially in gymnasiums or multipurpose rooms.
DRT Performance Tix supports both, so you can choose what fits best — or even mix and match for different shows.
Tips for Smooth Ticket Sales
Open ticket sales in phases. Give priority to performers' families, then open up to the public.
Use promo codes for early access or VIPs. DRT Performance Tix supports this out of the box.
Set clear limits per family. Prevent hoarding and ensure fairness.
Provide digital tickets with QR codes. Great for fast check-in and less paper clutter.
Offer ticket bundles. Encourage families to buy early and save.
Common Ticketing Mistakes to Avoid
Selling tickets through text or email
Accepting only cash/check
Not tracking how many people are coming
Not having a backup plan for oversold shows
Ignoring customer support needs during sales week
Even small missteps can create frustration or lost revenue — but the right system helps you avoid them.
Why Dance Studios Choose DRT Performance Tix
At DRT Performance Tix, we’ve helped over 3,000 studios simplify their ticketing process. Our platform is:
Purpose-built for dance recitals
Designed with studio owners in mind
Easy for parents to use
Fully supported by a live customer service team
Seamless for multi-show, multi-venue events
From flexible seating charts to real-time reporting and beautiful mobile tickets, DRT Performance Tix is the studio owner’s secret weapon.
Ready to Upgrade Your Recital Ticketing?
Don’t let ticketing hold back your show. 
Book a demo with our team today and see how DRT Performance Tix can take your recitals to the next level.
