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Home > ATLarts > Archives > 2007 > October > 10 > Entry
Cheap seats
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Atlanta theaters gave away over 2,000 free tickets last week as part of this year’s national Free Night of Theater promotion. The aim is to get more, less affluent and younger people to see a live performance. If you didn’t get a ticket, check out all the other discounts for arts events available here.
Going to see the opera, symphony, musicals and plays can be expensive (my seat for Turandot at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre was $55, by no means the top price) or it can be cheap, or even free. When I was a student and had more time than money, I wish I’d known you could volunteer to be an usher at a theater. You can get last-minute “rush” tickets at a discount for performances by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the Alliance Theatre if they’re not sold out. (Call the box office the day of the show for details.) Smaller theaters and music venues sometimes have “pay-what-you-can” nights.
How do you find ways to enjoy the arts without spending a lot of money?
Permalink | Comments (6) | Categories: Arts venues
Comments
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By Laura
October 10, 2007 7:35 AM | Link to this
I prefer to go to smaller theaters like the Aurora Theater in downtown Lawrenceville for great performances by professional actors. Their most expensive ticket is $25 and there isn’t a bad seat in the house.
By Percy
October 10, 2007 8:50 AM | Link to this
Walking by the standing crowds outside the Georgia Dome last year, where I quickly realized auditions for American Idol were being held. This was perhaps one of my favorite performances of comedic theatre I have ever witnessed!
I wish that I could have had a chair and program so that I may have more fully enjoyed the parade of tragic, albeit hilarious, delusion huddled en masse before me.
Another great way to get into theatre on the cheap is to volunteer - either concessions; set design; or, as mentioned above, as an usher. Otherwise, take in the oft times unintentional impromptu theatre where you can.
By Atlanta Pearl Girl
October 10, 2007 9:22 AM | Link to this
Arts add a certain ‘magical element’ to every day life.
Whenever and however one can get in…do it!!!
Atlanta Pearl Girl
By Scott
October 10, 2007 9:43 AM | Link to this
Check the venue or show’s website for a cheaper night, perhaps during the week instead of on Friday or Saturday. Check craigslist.org for last minute tickets someone may be trying to unload at a discount. Try AAA, AARP, etc. You’d be surprised at the discounts that are out there if you really want to save some money. Check the local magazines/papers usually found in coffee shops or local restaurants that may advertise some interesting, less expensive shows.
By KPB
October 10, 2007 1:16 PM | Link to this
No need to hunt around for savings on theatre, dance, music and more. The AtlanTIX half-price ticket booths are open Tuesday-Sunday. Plus the link Kirsten provided will hook you up with advance discount tickets (many better than half price) on GeorgiaPerforms.com. There are currently thirty companies offering advance discount tickets for well over 100 performance dates.
PLUS, the October-long GO ARTS Month listings on GeorgiaPerforms.com include lots of free arts & cultural goin’s on. Check it out… spread the word!
By Nancy
October 11, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this
I like to usher, but I’m usually a last-minute person, so ATLANTIX can’t be beat! I usually go to Lenox, but there’s also one at Underground.