If you have a theatre company that you love, season tickets are always a good investment. And, in general, tickets to live shows in Calgary are fairly reasonable when you consider the talent that goes into putting the show on night after night. But, if you are looking to save a few dollars or squeeze a little something extra out of your night (or matinee) at the theatre, most major companies in Calgary are happy to oblige.
Here are a few offers to look out for.
Rush Ticket Tuesdays and Senior Saturday Matinees at Theatre Calgary
Try your luck at Rush Ticket Tuesdays. Theatre Calgary puts a limited number of tickets for sale at the box office for $25 each. Tickets go on sale one hour before select performances. This season, the $25 tickets are available for Blow Wind High Water on Sept. 12, 19 and 26; Sisters: The Belles Soeurs Musical on Oct. 17, 24 and 31; Twelfth Night on Feb. 6, 13 and 20; The Humans on March 13, 20 and 27; and The Secret Garden April 24, May 1, 8 and 15.
If you are 65 years or older, you can also take advantage of Senior Saturday Matinees. For one Saturday performance of each regular season show, Theatre Calgary discounts the ticket price for seniors and serves snacks in the lobby. You can also chat with a theatre professional who will give you some more details about the production. Senior Saturday Matinees are Blow Wind High Water on Sept. 23, Sisters: The Belles Soeurs Musical on Oct. 28, Twelfth Night on Feb. 17, The Humans on March 24 and The Secret Garden on May 5.
Pizza Night, Afternoon Tea and $10 Tickets at Alberta Theatre Projects
The ticket to see the show isn’t technically discounted, but on Pizza Night you get dinner from Papa John’s. It’s an especially social night that includes a conversation with artists from the show. This season, Pizza Night takes place during The Last Wife on Sept. 14, To The Light on Oct. 19, Charlotte’s Web on Nov. 23, Empire of the Sun on Jan. 18, Constellations on March 1 and Glory on April 5.
Similarly, Afternoon Tea enhances the theatre experience with snacks and conversation about the show. In this case the Sunday matinee comes with pastry from Alforno Bakery and tea from Tea Trader. Afternoon Tea shows are The Last Wife on Sept. 24, To the Light on Oct. 29, Empire of the Sun on Jan. 28, Constellations on March 11 and Glory on April 5.
That $10 Ticket Thing is just for students, but it is a really good deal. Students with a valid ID get a ticket to specific showtimes for $10. And, they can stay before or after the show to talk with the artistic team. Students can also subscribe to the entire season of shows for $60. The $10 Ticket Thing shows are The Last Wife on Sept. 19, To The Light on Oct. 24, Charlotte’s Web on Nov. 21, Empire of the Sun on Jan. 23, Constellations on March 6 and Glory on April 10.
Director’s Preview at Vertigo Theatre
At Vertigo, the secret to a good deal is to see the show early in its run. The first Sunday performance of each BD&P Mystery Theatre show is the Director’s Preview and tickets are $20. You can purchase tickets in advance but the shows are general admission. This season, $20 tickets are available for Nine Dragons on Sept. 17, The 39 Steps on Nov. 12, Undercover on Jan. 14, The Lonely Diner on March 11 and Sherlock Holmes on May 13.
First Thursdays at Lunchbox Theatre
At Lunchbox Theatre, consider an evening performance to save a few dollars. Specifically, attend the first Thursday evening performance of each production and your ticket is just $10. First Thursdays this season are Book Club II: The Next Chapter on Sept. 21, Flight Risk on Oct. 26, The Santaland Diaries on Nov. 30, Inner Elder on Jan. 18, Ai Yah! Sweet & Sour Secrets on Feb. 22 and Miss Caledonia on April 5.
Rush Tickets at Alberta Ballet
Students and seniors, this one is for you. One hour before each regular performance, Alberta Ballet puts seats in selected sections on sale for $25. Tickets are available at the box office and you have to be 65 or older or have a valid student ID to take advantage.
Pay-What-You-Can Shows at Sage Theatre
Sage Theatre tickets are already affordable, ranging from $15 to $30. But, on preview Wednesdays and some Sunday matinees, tickets are pay-what-you-can. Just add the donation of your choice when you checkout at the online box office. If you are able, this is also an opportunity to spend more than the usual ticket price to give a little extra boost to the arts. This season, Sage has two shows coming up. Apple by Vern Thiessen from Sept. 14 to 24 and the world premiere of Legislating Love by Natalie Meisner from March 23 to 31.