Quick Overview
- 1#1: Theatre Manager - All-in-one box office, fundraising, marketing, and volunteer management software designed specifically for performing arts organizations.
- 2#2: Tessitura - Comprehensive enterprise CRM and ticketing platform powering thousands of arts and cultural institutions worldwide.
- 3#3: AudienceView - End-to-end ticketing, CRM, and digital marketing solution for live entertainment and performing arts venues.
- 4#4: PatronManager - Integrated cloud-based ticketing, CRM, and fundraising tool tailored for small to mid-sized arts organizations.
- 5#5: Blackbaud Altru - Cloud CRM platform for arts organizations handling ticketing, memberships, fundraising, and audience engagement.
- 6#6: Spektrix - CRM and box office software with marketing automation for theatres, museums, and live events.
- 7#7: Ticketsolve - Online ticketing, CRM, and marketing system built for arts centres, theatres, and festivals.
- 8#8: OvationTix - Affordable ticketing and marketing platform for non-profit performing arts groups and small venues.
- 9#9: ShowClix - Ticketing platform with advanced marketing and seating tools for theatres and live events.
- 10#10: VBO Tickets - Flexible box office and online ticketing software for performing arts and attractions.
Tools were ranked based on key factors including feature comprehensiveness, user-friendliness, reliability, and value, with a focus on delivering real-world utility across ticketing, CRM, fundraising, and marketing for performing arts venues.
Comparison Table
Discover a detailed comparison of leading theatre manager software, featuring tools like Theatre Manager, Tessitura, AudienceView, PatronManager, and Blackbaud Altru, along with additional platforms. This table outlines key features, integration strengths, and user-focused benefits to help readers identify solutions that match their organizational needs and boost operational efficiency.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Theatre Manager All-in-one box office, fundraising, marketing, and volunteer management software designed specifically for performing arts organizations. | enterprise | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | Tessitura Comprehensive enterprise CRM and ticketing platform powering thousands of arts and cultural institutions worldwide. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.8/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 3 | AudienceView End-to-end ticketing, CRM, and digital marketing solution for live entertainment and performing arts venues. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | PatronManager Integrated cloud-based ticketing, CRM, and fundraising tool tailored for small to mid-sized arts organizations. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 5 | Blackbaud Altru Cloud CRM platform for arts organizations handling ticketing, memberships, fundraising, and audience engagement. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 6 | Spektrix CRM and box office software with marketing automation for theatres, museums, and live events. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | Ticketsolve Online ticketing, CRM, and marketing system built for arts centres, theatres, and festivals. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 8 | OvationTix Affordable ticketing and marketing platform for non-profit performing arts groups and small venues. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | ShowClix Ticketing platform with advanced marketing and seating tools for theatres and live events. | specialized | 7.4/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 10 | VBO Tickets Flexible box office and online ticketing software for performing arts and attractions. | specialized | 7.1/10 | 6.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
All-in-one box office, fundraising, marketing, and volunteer management software designed specifically for performing arts organizations.
Comprehensive enterprise CRM and ticketing platform powering thousands of arts and cultural institutions worldwide.
End-to-end ticketing, CRM, and digital marketing solution for live entertainment and performing arts venues.
Integrated cloud-based ticketing, CRM, and fundraising tool tailored for small to mid-sized arts organizations.
Cloud CRM platform for arts organizations handling ticketing, memberships, fundraising, and audience engagement.
CRM and box office software with marketing automation for theatres, museums, and live events.
Online ticketing, CRM, and marketing system built for arts centres, theatres, and festivals.
Affordable ticketing and marketing platform for non-profit performing arts groups and small venues.
Ticketing platform with advanced marketing and seating tools for theatres and live events.
Flexible box office and online ticketing software for performing arts and attractions.
Theatre Manager
enterpriseAll-in-one box office, fundraising, marketing, and volunteer management software designed specifically for performing arts organizations.
Unified patron database that integrates ticketing purchases, donations, and communications for personalized arts fundraising and retention.
Theatre Manager is a comprehensive, all-in-one software platform tailored for performing arts organizations like theatres, orchestras, and dance companies. It manages ticketing, reservations, patron CRM, fundraising, subscriptions, marketing campaigns, and house management with powerful reporting tools. Designed for non-profits, it offers seamless online sales integration and deep customization to handle complex performing arts operations efficiently.
Pros
- All-in-one solution covering ticketing, CRM, fundraising, and marketing without needing multiple tools
- Highly customizable reports, dynamic pricing, and advanced subscription handling
- Excellent support and arts-specific features from a dedicated vendor
Cons
- Steep learning curve for initial setup and advanced features
- Primarily desktop-based with web components, not fully cloud-native
- Custom pricing can be higher for smaller venues
Best For
Mid-to-large performing arts organizations needing robust, integrated management for seasons, patrons, and donors.
Pricing
Custom annual licensing based on venue capacity and modules, typically $5,000-$20,000+ per year with one-time implementation fees; contact for quote.
Tessitura
enterpriseComprehensive enterprise CRM and ticketing platform powering thousands of arts and cultural institutions worldwide.
Unified patron database providing a 360-degree view across all interactions for personalized engagement and revenue optimization
Tessitura is a comprehensive enterprise resource planning (ERP) platform tailored for performing arts organizations, providing integrated ticketing, customer relationship management (CRM), fundraising, marketing, and audience development tools. It supports complex subscription management, box office operations, donor tracking, and advanced analytics through a centralized data warehouse. Designed for scalability, it helps theaters optimize revenue, engagement, and operational efficiency across multiple venues and seasons.
Pros
- All-in-one integration eliminates silos between ticketing, CRM, and fundraising
- Powerful analytics and reporting for data-driven decision-making
- Highly scalable and customizable for large organizations
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface for new users
- Expensive implementation and ongoing costs
- Customization requires significant time and expertise
Best For
Mid-to-large performing arts organizations with complex ticketing, subscription, and donor management needs requiring enterprise-level integration.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically starting at $50,000+ annually plus substantial one-time implementation fees based on organization size and modules.
AudienceView
enterpriseEnd-to-end ticketing, CRM, and digital marketing solution for live entertainment and performing arts venues.
Integrated CRM and ticketing with 360-degree patron views and automated fundraising workflows
AudienceView is a comprehensive enterprise-grade ticketing, CRM, and fundraising platform tailored for performing arts organizations, including theatres, orchestras, and museums. It streamlines season subscriptions, single ticket sales, dynamic pricing, patron relationship management, marketing automation, and donor stewardship through an integrated suite. Available in both cloud-based (AudienceView Unlimited) and on-premise deployments, it supports scalability for mid-to-large venues with robust reporting and analytics.
Pros
- All-in-one integration of ticketing, CRM, fundraising, and marketing tools
- Advanced dynamic pricing and yield management for revenue optimization
- Strong analytics, reporting, and API for custom integrations
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface requiring training
- High enterprise-level pricing not ideal for small venues
- Customization and setup often need IT or vendor support
Best For
Mid-to-large performing arts organizations like regional theatres needing a scalable, feature-rich system for patron management and revenue growth.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically starting at $5,000-$20,000+ annually based on venue size, transaction volume, and modules; contact for quote.
PatronManager
specializedIntegrated cloud-based ticketing, CRM, and fundraising tool tailored for small to mid-sized arts organizations.
Unified patron database that seamlessly connects ticketing history with donor profiles for personalized fundraising and retention strategies
PatronManager is a cloud-based CRM and management platform tailored for performing arts organizations like theaters, providing integrated tools for ticketing, subscriptions, fundraising, marketing, and patron relationship management. It centralizes patron data into a single database, enabling personalized communications, automated campaigns, and detailed reporting to drive revenue and loyalty. Ideal for streamlining operations from box office sales to donor stewardship, it supports both online and in-person events with mobile accessibility.
Pros
- Comprehensive integration of CRM, ticketing, and fundraising in one platform
- Powerful reporting and analytics for data-driven insights
- Strong automation for marketing campaigns and renewals
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for very small theaters
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customizations
- Limited built-in tools for complex production scheduling
Best For
Mid-sized theaters and performing arts organizations seeking an all-in-one solution for patron engagement, ticketing, and fundraising.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting around $500/month for basic plans, scaling with transaction volume and features; often includes setup fees.
Blackbaud Altru
enterpriseCloud CRM platform for arts organizations handling ticketing, memberships, fundraising, and audience engagement.
Seamless integration of ticketing with donor management and wealth screening for personalized patron journeys
Blackbaud Altru is a cloud-based CRM and ticketing platform tailored for arts organizations like theaters, managing everything from box office sales and seating charts to patron relationships and fundraising. It supports subscription series, group bookings, online ticket sales, and mobile access for staff. Altru excels in data-driven insights, enabling personalized marketing and revenue optimization for performing arts venues.
Pros
- Robust integrated CRM for patron data, donations, and ticketing in one system
- Flexible seating charts and subscription management with dynamic pricing
- Advanced reporting, analytics, and wealth screening for fundraising
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface for new users
- High enterprise-level pricing with custom quotes
- Limited out-of-the-box customizations requiring professional services
Best For
Mid-to-large theaters and performing arts organizations needing comprehensive CRM integration with ticketing for audience development and revenue growth.
Pricing
Custom quote-based subscription pricing, typically starting at $5,000+ per month for mid-sized organizations, scaling with users, transactions, and features.
Spektrix
specializedCRM and box office software with marketing automation for theatres, museums, and live events.
Seamless integration of ticketing with CRM and fundraising for personalized patron journeys and upsell opportunities
Spektrix is a cloud-based, all-in-one ticketing, CRM, and fundraising platform tailored for performing arts venues, theatres, museums, and cultural organizations. It streamlines box office operations, online sales, season tickets, memberships, and donor management while providing marketing automation and detailed reporting. The software emphasizes revenue growth through personalized patron engagement and data-driven insights.
Pros
- Sector-specific tools for arts venues including dynamic pricing and fundraising integration
- Robust CRM with 360-degree patron views and marketing automation
- Strong reporting and analytics for revenue optimization
Cons
- Steeper learning curve due to comprehensive feature set
- Custom pricing can be expensive for smaller venues
- Fewer native integrations with non-arts specific tools
Best For
Mid-sized theatres and cultural venues needing integrated ticketing, CRM, and fundraising capabilities.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing with monthly subscriptions starting around £200-£500 plus 1-2% transaction fees, scaled by venue size and ticket volume.
Ticketsolve
specializedOnline ticketing, CRM, and marketing system built for arts centres, theatres, and festivals.
Advanced dynamic seating plans that adapt to irregular venue layouts with real-time availability and upselling capabilities
Ticketsolve is a cloud-based ticketing and venue management platform tailored for performing arts organizations like theatres, orchestras, and museums. It provides comprehensive tools for online ticket sales, box office operations, CRM, marketing automation, fundraising, and detailed reporting. The software supports complex seating configurations, dynamic pricing, and audience insights to streamline operations and boost revenue.
Pros
- Highly flexible seating charts and dynamic pricing options
- Integrated CRM with audience segmentation and marketing automation
- Excellent customer support and reliable uptime for live events
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customization
- Pricing can be high for smaller venues
- Limited native integrations with some third-party tools
Best For
Mid-sized theatres and performing arts venues needing a robust, customizable all-in-one solution for ticketing and audience management.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing based on venue size and transaction volume; typically starts at £500-£1,500/month plus per-transaction fees.
OvationTix
specializedAffordable ticketing and marketing platform for non-profit performing arts groups and small venues.
Seamlessly integrated CRM and fundraising module for donor tracking and campaign management within the ticketing system
OvationTix is a comprehensive ticketing and venue management platform tailored for performing arts organizations such as theaters, orchestras, dance companies, and museums. It provides end-to-end solutions including online and box office ticketing, subscription sales, group bookings, CRM, fundraising, marketing automation, and detailed reporting. Designed to streamline operations and maximize revenue, it supports both nonprofit and commercial venues with scalable features.
Pros
- Specialized tools for arts venues like subscription flex passes and fundraising integration
- Powerful reporting and analytics for revenue optimization
- Reliable customer support with arts industry expertise
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Pricing can be prohibitive for very small venues
- User interface appears dated compared to modern competitors
Best For
Mid-sized theaters and performing arts organizations requiring robust integrated ticketing, CRM, and donor management.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing based on ticket volume and features; typically $2,000-$15,000+ per month, with per-transaction fees.
ShowClix
specializedTicketing platform with advanced marketing and seating tools for theatres and live events.
Ultra-low, transparent transaction fees that maximize revenue retention for venues
ShowClix is a ticketing and box office platform designed for theaters, performing arts venues, and cultural organizations, offering online ticket sales, interactive seating charts, and mobile entry options. It provides tools for promotions, reporting, and basic access control to manage events efficiently. While strong in core ticketing, it lacks the depth of full theatre management suites in areas like CRM, subscriptions, and fundraising.
Pros
- Low transaction fees with no monthly subscription costs
- Intuitive interface for box office staff and easy customer purchasing
- Tailored for arts venues with customizable seating and promotions
Cons
- Limited CRM and patron management compared to dedicated theatre software
- Basic reporting lacks advanced analytics for large operations
- Fewer native integrations for comprehensive theatre workflows
Best For
Small to mid-sized theaters prioritizing affordable, straightforward ticketing over full management features.
Pricing
Pay-per-ticket model (typically $1.25-$2.00 per ticket + 2.5-3.5% processing fee); no setup or monthly fees.
VBO Tickets
specializedFlexible box office and online ticketing software for performing arts and attractions.
Ultra-fast setup with fully customizable, interactive seating charts deployable in minutes
VBO Tickets is a cloud-based ticketing platform tailored for theaters, performing arts venues, and small live events, offering online sales, box office POS, and customizable seating charts. It enables quick setup for ticket sales with real-time inventory management and basic reporting tools. While straightforward for basic operations, it lacks the comprehensive CRM, marketing automation, and patron management features of full theatre management suites.
Pros
- Affordable pay-per-ticket pricing with no monthly fees
- Intuitive drag-and-drop seating chart builder
- Seamless integration of online and box office sales
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics
- Basic patron data management and CRM
- Not scalable for large multi-venue operations
Best For
Small to mid-sized theaters or community venues seeking a simple, cost-effective ticketing solution without needing enterprise-level features.
Pricing
Transaction-based: 2.9% + $0.99 per ticket processed, no setup or monthly fees.
Conclusion
Across the reviewed tools, the top three excel in addressing the varied needs of performing arts organizations. Leading the pack, Theatre Manager stands out with its comprehensive suite of box office, fundraising, marketing, and volunteer management features, making it a standout choice for many. Close behind, Tessitura offers a robust enterprise CRM and global reach, while AudienceView delivers end-to-end ticketing and digital marketing solutions—each a strong alternative for specific operational priorities.
Elevate your organization’s efficiency and impact—explore Theatre Manager today to experience its all-in-one capabilities firsthand and take the first step toward streamlined success.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison