Enjoy a Wealth of Theater, Even on a Budget

Enjoy a Wealth of Theater, Even on a Budget

by Katharine Westfall

Though frequently overshadowed by the dramatic (and often comedic) actors on Capitol Hill, the Washington, DC theater scene is exciting, impressive, and nationally recognized: The Signature Theater in Arlington, Virginia won a 2009 Tony as one of the country’s best regional theaters, and this fall Helen Mirren and Cate Blanchett will arrive at the Shakespeare Theater and Kennedy Center, respectively. But the richness of the performances doesn’t necessarily mean you have to be rich to enjoy them. The summer is a particularly good time for experiencing free and inexpensive theater in DC, but if you fall into a certain age group you could also luck out all year round.

Theater J, one of the area’s newer theaters, offers a number of discount opportunities, the most interesting of which is the Pay-As-You-Can Preview Series presented before the official opening of each show. Additionally, theatergoers 35 and under can ask for a half-price ticket at any show, and matinee performances are priced at only $20.

The Shakespeare Theater, a longtime Washington institution, also offers a special rate to the under-35 group. Tickets priced between 10 and 25 dollars are available at special Young Professionals Events. On top of that, the theater releases a certain number of 10 dollar tickets to audience members 35 and under every Tuesday morning that can be used for performances through the following Sunday…In August, the theater will also present its traditional summer “Free-For-All,” a performance of Taming of the Shrew at the Sidney Harman Hall location.

If you’ve got an urge to see some good, free theater sooner than that, look no further than the 4th of July weekend. For a little cultural infusion before or after fireworks and barbecue, the Studio Theater is offering seven free readings of Welsh plays in conjunction with the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. Remaining performances will be held Saturday, July 4th at 5 pm and Sunday, July 5th at noon and 5 pm. You must register for tickets in advance.

And since you’re saving so much money on the main event, why not enjoy a drink afterwards? You’ll still be spending significantly less than a full price ticket anywhere. Theater J is located just outside Dupont Circle, The Shakespeare Theater faces Gallery Place/Chinatown, and The Studio Theater is off the U Street corridor – all neighborhoods that will inspire you with the diverse creativity DC has to offer.