Whether you’re new to Boston or you’ve just returned for another semester, students—and young people in general—are eligible for some of the best deals in the city. Therefore, there’s really no excuse for you not to up your art, theater, and general culture game while you’re here. Keep the below list of a few cultural mainstays on hand when you want to do just that and not have to break the bank.
ISABELLA STEWART GARDNER MUSEUM
If your school participates in the University Membership program, you get in for free all year long. A list of participating schools can be found on the museum’s website. If not, admission is only $5 with your college ID. If you want to take things to the next level, the Gardner has an amazing Young Patrons program. You’ll be able to mix and mingle with people like you and enjoy a slew of incredible benefits. 25 Evans Way, Boston. gardnermuseum.org
BOSTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
One of the biggest challenges that orchestras around the country face is trying to tap into a younger market. The BSO, one of the best in the world, wants to make sure cost is never an obstacle to enjoying classical music. All patrons under the age of 40 get $20 tickets to most concerts. Tickets can be purchased in advance by entering code 20UNDER40 at checkout. 301 Mass Ave., Boston. bso.org
HUNTINGTON THEATRE COMPANY
If you’re a student and under the age of 25, you are eligible for $20 tickets to all performances. For those below 35 years of age, tickets are just $30. Join the 35 Below club for free online, and get invited to a great after-party with live music and drinks. The party for A Little Night Music will be Sept 11; Nov 13 for A Confederacy of Dunces. 264 Huntington Ave. & 527 Tremont St., Boston. huntingtontheatre.org
AMERICAN REPERTORY THEATER
ART regularly produces some of the best theater in the country, so there’s no reason for you to miss a performance. Purchase a student membership for only $10, and you get advance access to $15 seats for all performances. 64 Brattle St., Cambridge. americanrepertorytheater.org
COMPANY ONE THEATRE
Thoughtful, compelling, diverse and always original. Purchase a Company Card for $60 and get one free ticket to every production during the season. There are no blackout dates, you can book your seats before tickets go on sale to the public, and they offer a great monthly payment option. 539 Tremont St., Boston. companyone.org
SPEAKEASY STAGE COMPANY
Their forte is staging Boston premieres, and their upcoming season is a knockout. For everyone under 25, tickets are just $25. 539 Tremont St., Boston. speakeasystage.com
THE LYRIC STAGE COMPANY OF BOSTON
The Lyric produces some of the most consistently solid work in Boston, and their season is a thrilling mix of classics and new plays. For just $72, students can purchase a bundle of six tickets that can be used however they want. That’s only $12 a ticket. 140 Clarendon St., Boston. lyricstage.com
THE INSTITUTE OF CONTEMPORARY ART
With a regular array of fascinating exhibits and million-dollar views, this is one of the best ways to spend a rainy day in Boston. The gift shop is great, too. Admission for students is only $10. 100 Northern Ave., Boston. icaboston.org
Theater critic for TheaterMania & WBUR’s TheArtery | Theater Editor for DigBoston | film and music critic for EDGE Media | Boston Theater Critics Association.
