Mother Nicola McGrouther, of Harington Point, said she was one of the ''hearty souls'' who queued in the cold for more than an hour for the tickets which went on sale at the Regent Theatre from 9am yesterday.
She was second in a queue that stretched past the Ra Bar Cafe.
Stars on Stage is billed as a celebration of the arts for primary and intermediate-aged children, and involves 26 Otago schools performing at the Regent Theatre on September 2-4.
Her son Cameron (13), a year 8 Portobello School pupil, would be among those performing.
She bought 123 tickets for the night of the school's performance - 20 children's tickets and 103 adult tickets, for family and friends of Portobello pupils.
Cameron had performed at every show in his eight years at Portobello School, which had made her an ''experienced trouper'' at securing tickets.
Regent Theatre general manager Sarah Anderson said ticket sales were ''steady'' yesterday and she encouraged parents to secure tickets quickly to avoid disappointment.
''It will sell out fast.''