Taking children to live theater can be a fun and educational family outing, and it doesn’t have to break the bank. Many community theaters offer performances at reduced cost. While most people are familiar with matinee shows, there is often a less expensive option available. Here’s how you can find low cost live theater in your area:

1. Pay-What-You-Can:

Some community theaters offer pay-what-you-can performances. These performances leave it up to you to determine the ticket price for your family.

2. Low Price Specials:

Other theaters offer special low price nights. One of my local theaters has a “Thrifty Thursday” night for each production and charges only $5 per person.

3. Sneak Previews:

My favorite low cost option is to attend free sneak previews. One theater that we frequent allows the public to attend their final dress rehearsal for free. I have found these sneak previews to be just as enjoyable and well-done as the paid performance the next night.

4. Lap Children:

Finally, always ask if your infant or toddler can sit on your lap instead of paying for his seat.

One important detail to remember when attending one of these low cost performances: arrive early! Performances are usually sold on a first come, first serve basis and often sell out. We usually arrive an hour early and find that our fun night out is always worth the wait.

To find low cost live theater in your neighborhood, call the community theaters in your town and neighboring towns and ask if they offer any of these performances. When you find the theaters offering low cost performances, frequent them often and let them know how much you appreciate the opportunity to bring your family to their shows.

photo by Mozo Man

JoAnn is a chronically distracted homeschooling mom of three. She found a way to turn these distractions into educational opportunities for her children and blogs their many adventures at Homeschool Distractions.