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Seeing theater for CHEAP

Seeing theater doesn't need to be super expensive! In fact, there are many ways that theaters make themselves more accessible to those on a tight budget. As a theater proffesional on a tight budget myself, I've combined my own experience and my discussions with the box offices of multiple theaters to bring you my own guide!

Theater is far less intimidating than it may sound. Companies know that steep tickets are a luxury the older and more financially comfortable can afford, and want desperately to reach a new generation of audiences and artists to inspire. There are always new and exciting works to find and they need your support to survive. If you're worried about not being able to commit to a time and date, the majority of theaters offer no penalty to rescedule a ticket, or even provide a voucher for you to see a different show.

I live in Portland (OR), so many of these specific resources apply only to this area. However, many of the tips here will still apply anywhere, and I encourage you to look for similar programs in your town.

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1: Student & Youth Discounts

Many theaters will take off $10-$20 for students and youths, and some offer even better discounts. Time to find your old college ID! There is no shame in taking advantage of it. I know what you're thinking, "but I'm not a youth?" never fear. While traditionally, a youth discount is for kids and teenagers, theaters will often put the cap at 25, even 30 years old.

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2: Pay-What-You-Can Nights

Some companies will schedule specific Pay-What-You-Can performances. As the name implies, tickets are however much you are able to afford. Many of these performances will have specific demographics they encourage, such as BIPOC, teens, or the queer or disabled communities. Themed nights occasionally provide additional resources, fun events, and opportunities to learn about the production.

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3: $5 Tickets through Arts for All

Through Portland's Arts for All program, anyone who currently receives food stamps (SNAP) and has an Oregon Trail Card can get two $5 tickets for themselves and a friend!

Via the Arts for All website:

"We envision a community that supports, participates, and finds joy in arts and culture, not just for those who can afford to pay, but also for those with limited resources. RACC wants opportunities available for all members of our community. We want people to be uplifted, enjoy arts and cultural events, and be part of the creative fabric of our state. The Arts for All program was conceived by a group of thoughtful arts leaders over 10 years ago to ensure everyone who receives temporary assistance through the Oregon Trail Card/SNAP programs could attend a specific arts and cultural event for $5 a ticket."

How do you get this discount? The easiest method is to call or email the box office, and they will walk you through the process. You will have to provide your SNAP card when you pick up the tickets. Here's a little template to get you started, whether you're reaching out through call or email:

Hello [theater name] box office,

I would like to purchase tickets for [show name] on [date] using the Arts for All program. This is my first time using the program, so could you help walk me through this process?

Thank you,
[your name]

Examples of theaters that offer this:

Each production has their own guidelines for using the Arts for All program, so the best way is to dig through their website or simply reach out. Some companies will allow more than two tickets per card! This isn't specific to Portland, they operate in the Lane, Yamhill, Hood, and Columbia counties as well. If you don't live in the area, there is likley a similar program near you.

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4: Look for Free Performances

The simplest option: some theater is just free! Shakespeare in the Park, college productions, early workshops and readings, all of these are often completely free performances!

Examples of theaters that offer this:

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5: Free Tickets with a Library Card

If you have a Multnomah County Library card, the My Discovery Pass allows you to get two free tickets to any participating show through their website! Log in using your library card number to see avaliable events, and reserve them through the website.

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6: Get Involved

Theater people want you to come see their shows. They are begging you to come see their shows.

Great opportunities include: early previews and invited dress rehearsals, industry Pay-What-You-Can nights, and of course, comp tickets. Speaking from experience, I have gotten 4-6 comp tickets on most shows I have worked, and often find it tough to find takers even giving them away! If you know anyone who works in theater, show enthusiasm to see their shows and ask if they can spare any comp tickets, or if there is an invited dress rehearsal you can attend. They may also be planning to see shows their friends are working in, and can pull comps or cheap tickets for both of you!

But, if you already knew people in theater, you likely wouldn't be here. So, how you do you get involved? I have saved the best for last...

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7: Ushering

Volunteering to usher is my number one most recommended way to get free tickets.

During my down time between jobs, I spent every weekend looking for opportunities to volunteer. I've also discovered that most of the volunteer ushers in the area are the same small group of people! Often retirees. They're smart, if it works for them on a fixed income, it'll work for us. Theaters need volunteers. Most theaters that I have worked have struggled to fill in all of the needed slots.

Ushering for shows is simple. You show up in buisness casual or formal black clothes you're given a simple task to do until the show starts, when you take your seat and see the show for free. I can guess based on my audience that either you've had a customer service job and are sick of it, or haven't and are intimidated by working with the public. But I can tell you, as an extremely awkward little introvert myself, it is way less scary than it sounds. Everyone at a theater wants to be there and is there to have a good time. You have a simple task with clear directions, and if anything goes wrong it's not your responsibility. You're just a volunteer! Point people in the direction of the actual staff.

Volunteer positions:

Handing out programs ("would you like a program?""enjoy the show!")
Checking tickets ("here let me scan that for you""you're seated on the left over there")
Stage guard
Door greeter

Usually you will be given the opportunity to pick between multiple dates. It is important to sign up in advance, often at least two weeks. This is to give you a better chance of getting the date that you are looking for, and it gives the theater more peace-of-mind to know that the positions have been filled. Almost every theater offers usher positions. If how to sign up isn't made clear on their website, find the best contact information you can (email or phone number) and use this template:

Hello [theater name],

I would like to come see [show name] and am interested in volunteering as an usher. Could you direct me to where I can sign up?

Thank you,
[your name]

Ushering isn't just the best way to see free shows and support the art, it is also the best way to get involved if you're stuck on where to start. Volunteering gives you a change to meet the people involved, talk to other volunteers, and experience a little behind-the-scenes of the theater world without much commitment. I know ushers in town who are well-known at every theater beacuse of how much they have volunteered. People will recognize your enthusiasm, and you will discover more events and ways to get involved from there!

Questions? Updates? Send me an email! Now go see some live theater!

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