Theatre Watching On A Budget - Part One

Yes, going to see plays is a luxury. Today's increasing grocery and gas prices make it nearly impossible to have anything left over to buy theatre tickets, especially when some shows cost more than $100 per seat. Fortunately, even in these fiscally difficult times, there are ways to enjoy live performances for less money. Here are five of ten frugal tips to see Chicago shows for less:

1. Buy from discount ticket websites and organizations: Although it can be hard to find discounts to the "must-see" shows, deeply discounted and half-price tickets are available for purchase from several organizations. Some tickets are discounted so much that they only cost as much as a movie admission. I have actually found free tickets on occasion. The most popular outfits are HotTix and Goldstar.
   


2. Be Spontaneous: Planning is an inherent aspect of human life, but spontaneity also has some perks. Most theatres (Goodman and Steppenwolf, among others) offer half-price or cheaper tickets the day of the performance. These discounted tickets, often referred to as rush tickets, are available as early as 10:00 a.m. the day of the show until the hour before the curtain rises. So if you have nothing on your agenda, go call the theatre box office and try your luck on some cheap seats.
   


3. Say Yay to Weeknights and Matinees (and Nay to Friday and Weekend Evening Showtimes): Recognizing that people are usually too busy during the workweek to go to a play, ticket prices are often cheaper during "off-peak times." Tickets are usually cheapest during weekday matinees and weeknights, they increase in price for weekend matinees, and are usually most expensive on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.
   


4. Sit in The Balcony: Balcony seats are always cheaper than floor seats. Balcony tickets to "Wicked," for example, cost $34.50 - US $64.50 while orchestra seats range from $87.50 - US $147.50. Of course the view is better from higher priced seats, but seeing a show you've been dying to see from the balcony is perhaps better than not being able to see it at all.
   


5. Go with A Group: The more the merrier and almost always cheaper. It's a rare production that doesn't want a full house, so most theatres offer discounts for groups (usually ten or more). As an added bonus, most theatres offer groups opportunities to go backstage, meet actors and directors, and participate in post-show events. Make sure to check each theatre's group sales section or call the box office to see what advantages they offer in addition to your group's admission to the show.