Finding D.C.'s Best Theater Bargains

September 30, 10:22 AMDC Cultural Events ExaminerJada Bradley

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The D.C. area has so much to offer in terms of theater and ticket costs really do range in price. However, If you like to frequent the theater on a regular basis, it can get pricey. How can you support the arts and pay for the gas to get to the show? Look for bargains, that's how.

Here are my top three ways to see the plays and shows you want to see without breaking the bank:

Volunteer
One time-honored way to get into the show without paying is to usher. And yes, this will mean expending time and energy, but you'll barely break a sweat.

The Studio Theatre and the Warner Theater are just two examples of places that are happy to give you a seat at a show as a reward for you labor.

Pay-What-You-Can
If ushering isn't your thing, you can go to theaters during the nights when they will let you in for a song (or few dollars, or whatever you have). Only in one case did I attend a PWYC night that was kind of a dress rehearsal. For the most part, theaters give you a full-fledge version of their production. They want to build buzz and lure PWYC guests to return for regular shows.

Woolly Mammoth and Round House Theatre designate nights when theatre-goers can name their own ticket price.

Go Online
Sites like TheaterMania, TICKETplace and GoldStar offer tickets at discounted rates for plays and all kinds of shows and events. Just as you'd do with airline tickets, you can also go directly to the source and check local theater websites to see what discounts they offer directly to the public.