Nothing matches the feeling of being in a crowded theatre, the lights going low, and everyone putting away their cellphones for a few hours. While theatre is a magical place, the price of tickets can oftentimes be not so magical, especially for students.
The great news is that many resources are available for students to access theatre at reduced prices and sometimes for free! As a self-proclaimed theatre kid who loves a deal, here are my top suggestions for accessing affordable live theatre.
TeenTix is a wonderful program that allows teens aged 13-19 to access $5 tickets to partnering programs in the Seattle area. All you need to do is create an account and call the box office an hour before the show, and you will either gain access to that event for $5 or for free, depending on the event.
Lucky Seat is an online lottery program that gives participants the chance to purchase tickets at a reduced price. If you are eighteen or older, you must create an account and watch your email for opportunities to see amazing shows. This program is available for shows across the country, and new shows pop up in the Seattle area about once a month.
I have seen many national tours, concerts, and local productions using this program, including “Parade” at the 5th Ave. Theatre, “Dear Evan Hansen” at the Paramount Theatre, and Ben Platt’s “Honeymind Tour” at Benaroya Hall.
- Look for promo codes.
An excellent opportunity for reduced-priced theatre, especially at the 5th Ave. Theatre in Seattle is to use promo codes. After you attend one show, the 5th Ave. Theatre will give you a promotional code to use on future shows. For instance, I could purchase my tickets for “Parade” for 50% off because I went to “Waitress” for a school event the month prior.
- Support small, local theatres!
While some bigger theatres in the greater Seattle area get a larger flux of theatre goers, many smaller community theatres have tickets for less than $40. For instance, the Centerstage Theatre in Federal Way has a diverse selection of shows each season in an intimate environment for about $40 a ticket. Centerstage also has “Pay What You Will” show opportunities where, if you bring a friend along, you can pay whatever you can an hour before a show starts, and they will sell you the best available seats.