By Susan Johnston
3 June 2005

Think renting a movie is your only cheap entertainment option? Put down the Blockbuster card, and think again. As you’ll soon see, there are many ways to score tickets to high-quality entertainment at low-budget prices.

1) Get comped. From big Broadway shows to intimate spaces right in your neighborhood, lots of venues rely on volunteers. You can boost your résumé by interning or simply volunteer to usher or put up fliers for an upcoming concert around campus. Often in exchange for a little labor, you’ll get to see performances for free.

Boston University junior Helen Lin took advantage of this opportunity by house managing the show Shear Madness at Boston’s Charles Street Playhouse II. "It’s very easy," she says. "I keep track of tickets [and] make sure the audience doesn’t get too rowdy."

While she sometimes works three or four shows a week, Lin still appreciates seeing the performance. "I love the show, so it’s never boring to watch, even after the thirtieth time," she explains. "And the nice thing about working at Shear Madness is that since it’s next to Blue Man Group, I got to see that for free, also."

Nice work if you can get it, right? Instead of hiring a permanent staff, some venues let college groups usher for one night and sit in on that performance. If dancing is more your scene, get on the guest list for your local club and dance the night away for free or reduced cover.

2) Buy tickets last minute. New York City is known for the popular TKTS discount ticket booth in Times Square, and there are similar stands popping up in other major cities. With a little planning and patience, you can score half-price tickets to dozens of different performances. New York University junior Mackenzie Krouse has used this method several times, which she says "is worth it if you’re willing to wait in line."

Alternatively, Krouse also buys student rush tickets, which are generally between $10 and $25 and available through the box office one to two hours before the show. However, "what used to be student rush is quickly becoming general rush tickets," she explains. "It’s a bigger pool you’re competing with for tickets, but they are significantly less than regular [or sometimes even half-] priced tickets."

Sometimes the box office will only sell a limited number of tickets or no tickets at a particular performance, so it’s best to call ahead first. If you go and the ticket-seller says they’re out of student tickets, ask them what else is available. They may have other cheap tickets they’re trying to unload.

3) Look for other discounts. In addition to rush and half-price tickets, some places offer standing room, two-for-one specials, bargain matinees, pay-what-you-can nights or group rates. Call and find out if you can get a student membership or season tickets to a local theatre troupe, movie theatre, comedy club or concert venue. That way you’ll get updates about upcoming shows, reduced tickets and invites to member events.

Several cities, including Boston and San Francisco, offer affordable student packages to music events. Robert Knoll, a sophomore at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, praises his city’s student rates.

"The subsidized ticket program for students is like a membership card," says Knoll. "You pay a small amount, and then you can go to any concert. Music ensembles support that, because it secures future audiences for performances."

4) Think locally. In addition to professional performances, students like Knoll can also find quality performances right on campus. "My school has dozens of concerts each month," he says, "and they’re all free. It’s inspirational to hear your peers play like that."

Even if you don’t live in major entertainment mecca, chances are there are excellent plays, concerts and other performances going on in your neighborhood. Check your campus newspaper or the local arts section to find out what a cappella groups, dance troupes and other acts are performing nearby.

Your student ID is your ticket to almost unlimited entertainment. Don’t limit your search to your own college - going to neighboring schools is a great way to meet new people and get a change of scenery, while taking advantage of student rates. Who could ask for anything more?

For discount ticket stands, check out:

Austin: Austix.com

Chicago: HotTix.org/

New York City: Entertainment-Link.com

San Francisco: TheatreBayArea.org/tix/tix.shtml

Washington, D.C.: Ticketplace.org

 

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