There are a couple hundred performing arts organizations in the area, and while we’d like to comb through the fine print of each and spotlight the ways to make them all accessible, well, we’d need a bigger boat. We also know you don’t have the attention span for a list that long. We’ve hand selected a few steals about town that are particular to these groups and performances, but also note that some of these offers aren’t unique, so look out for similar deals for your favorite stage.
The Hub Theater Co. of Boston
It’s not unusual for theater companies to offer pay-what-you-can performances, but it is damn near unheard of that one would offer the deal—with no minimum payment, mind you—for each and every production. But The Hub Theater Co., celebrating its second anniversary, does just that. The intersected “Six Hotels” is at Club Cafe until Nov. 22, so head over, fork over what-you-can, and enjoy. For deets on upcoming events, visit hubtheatreboston.org.
Merrimack Repertory Theatre
This Lowell-based company reminds that some of the cheapest tricks hang just outside Boston and Camberville. Any seat at the first show of each production is just $5—next up, the musical comedy “13 Things About Ed Carpolotti” on Nov. 28—when purchased in-person the day of the show beginning at 4:30pm. For the nitty-gritty, visit mrt.org.
Cheap Seats
If you stumbled upon Cheap Seats yourself, you may have deduced that the monthly omni-genre, all-inclusive, creatively adventurous variety show is affordable. But allow us to remind you: tickets are $5-10ish. Note that beautiful, compromising, understanding -ish in there.
For the particulars on the two-year anniversary banger on Dec. 19, find Cheap Seats on Facebook.
Company One Theater
The first two Sunday performances for each C1 production are a pay-what-you-can, $6 minimum deal (next up, the highly anticipated “Shockheaded Peter” in March), and students get $15-tix during the entire run. But what you should really be on the lookout for are the engaging events these folks host to complement their performances (think: trivia nights, parties, open mic nights, studio sessions), which will round out your theatergoing experience and, ahem, stretch those admission dollars. Stay connected with the crew at companyone.org.
Bad Habit Productions
Take a gander at the mission statement of BHP and notice the words “accessible” and “affordable” at the core of their program. Their On Tap series, which explores music, comedy, and new scripts, is only $10 if you buy in advance (next up is the Celtic-inspired “Slainte!” on Dec 7 at The Burren) and you can get $8 off seats at Tom Stoppard’s “The Real Thing” (through Nov 22) if you buy more than 12 hours before showtime. Stay on the up-and-up and scout prices on the low at badhabitproductions.org.
Lyric Stage Company
The most underutilized perk of being in college—with the complimentary gym membership a close second—is Student Rush. Yes, you have to show up a half-hour early, and yes, there is a small chance that you may be turned away, but for a $10 ticket (a saving of up to $53 for Lyric Stage’s latest, “The Tale of The Allergist’s Wife,” beginning Nov. 21) it’s worth the trouble. Consider it a theater right of passage. And for those who can’t be bothered, or those who no longer boast student status, take advantage of the $25 seats at every show. Get informed at lyricstage.com.
Dinah DeVille and The Bloodstains
For those of you looking for a little less Sondheim and a lot more fishnets, consider a burlesque show. Pretty much any show by any troupe in town is under $25 (and there are lot of them). An upcoming highlight, helmed by Dinah DeVille, is “All Cramped Up. Again” at the Middle East downstairs, a night of tits, tassels, and rock ’ n’ roll for $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Looking to be a little more stingy, but still seeking sexy? Check out the $10 party, “Punk Rockin’ + Pastie Poppin’,” at the Midway every month. To stay tuned into the sexiest ticket in town, find Miss Dinah DeVille on Facebook.
SpeakEasy Stage
These guys offer pay-what-you-can ($15), Student Rush ($15), and $25 for 25-and-under, so this December, there are no barriers to seeing “Necessary Monsters,” a reality-bending comedy by local award-winning playwright John Kuntz. Unless you have less than $15, and in that case, see previous offers … or put in time as an usher and get tix to a performance for free. To make things easy on your wallet, visit speakeasystage.com.
Boston Symphony Orchestra
We like the BSO, and we like them even more after learning that we have until we’re 40 to get our shit together. That’s right, they won’t ask for more than $20 for each performance until you’re a few years from a midlife crisis. Not only that, but beginning on Nov. 19, they’re holding free sessions, BSO For Dummies (they call it BSO 101: Are You Listening? Variations on Variations), to help develop your ear for classical on select Wednesday nights through March. To staht getting wicked cultuhed, visit bso.org.
Huntington Theatre Company
Huntington Theatre Company has their bases covered: First: student deals. Second: veteran discounts. Third: $25 seats for all. Home Plate: community memberships. But because they are theater people and don’t need to stick to baseball metaphors, they’ve added an extra base: 35 Below Wrap Parties. For patrons 35 and under, $25 tickets are available to all performances, and that ticket permits you to a bash with drinks, live music, and backstage access. See? If you add booze, they will come. For the particulars on the Jan. 16 fête accompanying “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike,” visit huntingtontheatre.org.
American Repertory Theater
If you like A.R.T., join the club. No literally. Memberships for students are only $10, and each ticket with membership is $15. Even if you only make it to one show for the whole season, you’re only out $25 dollars, which is less than what it cost you to take a date to Interstellar. Scared of commitment? Try rushing a show or get online early for the $25 seats to Eve Ensler’s “O.P.C.,” starring Olivia Thirlby, beginning Nov. 28. For Broadway-caliber shows on the cheap, visit americanrepertorytheater.org.
FURTHER READING
