We all love to follow fashion trends and stock our closets with cute outfits. The problem is, where are we supposed to wear our fabulous finds after we’ve blown our budgets? Those awesome stilettos need a better runway than the supermarket aisle! If you think a night on the town is out of your price range, think again. With a little insider knowledge, you can make your grand debut at the opera, theater or ballet and still afford dinner, too.
Flaunt Your Age
It’s generally not polite to ask someone’s age, but sometimes it pays! Everyone from symphonies to ballet companies are making an effort to entice younger audiences by offering significantly discounted tickets. The deals usually apply to people up to mid-twenties, so take advantage while you can. However, the good news for those six, seven and eight-year college students is that sometimes a student I.D. (no matter what your age) also works.
Young Professional Clubs
Maybe you were too busy partying studying and you no longer qualify for mid-20-something discounts. Fear not, with age comes wisdom. Sign up for one of the many “Young Professional” groups for people into their 30s. Each arts organization offers its own variation, but they almost always offer discounted tickets or subscriptions. They’re also a great option for meeting new people. Most groups organize social gatherings at restaurants, provide complimentary food and sometimes host educational programs. It’s the grownup version of college parties.
Pay-What-You-Can
Many organizations offer pay-what-you-can (PWYC) performances with theaters being your best bet. Generally, there are one or two PWYC performances during a play’s run. People are usually required to buy tickets the day of the show and a minimum donation is suggested. Plan ahead because sometimes you can only buy tickets at the box office and it may be cash only.
Volunteer
It’s good for the soul and good for your wallet. The arts are often as cash-strapped as you and can use the extra help. You can usher, rip tickets or staff information tables and your reward is frequently free tickets. In addition to regularly-scheduled arts events, you can also score this deal at many music and film festivals.
Connect online
It’s a digital world and it pays to live in it. Arts organizations are connecting with people through e-newsletters, Facebook, Twitter and websites. Pay attention to any and all forms of communication whether it’s Tweeting, friending or poking an arts organization. Keep in mind that the best deals are often for those who plan in advance (think months) or are spontaneous (think day-before-the-show). If there is something specific you want to see, check all options frequently.
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*This post was written for the CRAVE company by Deanna Duff, culture maven and freelance writer extraordinaire from Seattle, Washington.
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