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If you were to create a Venn diagram where one circle was labeled "cheap" and the other labeled "awesome", the middle point where they cross over could be labeled "Vancouver on the Cheap". In other words, this is a weekly series on things to do and places to go in Vancouver that fall into that magical category of being both cheap and awesome. |
In honour of World Theatre Day (yes, that's right, there's a World Theatre Day every March 27th! Now you know.) I would like to share with you some of the best way to see cheap theatre in this city.
Before I do, however, homage must be paid. There is a huge hole in the theatre of Vancouver and thus, that of the world, by the closing of The Vancouver Playhouse. Not only were they supposed to be in this post (despite their high baseline ticket price, they had a commitment to accessibility), but they are supposed to exist. Period.
Now, most people think that a theatre ticket is too expensive and thus theatre is not for them. Sometimes this might be true - theatre tickets can be mighty expensive, but that's because theatre is expensive to make. Despite this, however, most of the people who make theatre do so because they want people to see it, and not just rich people. That's why many professional theatre companies in town have discount nights, pay-what-you-can performances, or let you see the show for free in exchange for volunteer labour. Check each individual company's website for details on shows and dates.
The first Thursday of every mainstage show is a pay-what-you-can night, and volunteer ushers see the show for free!
Giovanni Mocibob in Pacific Theatre's current production of Doubt by John Patrick Shanley. Photo by Emily Cooper.
It's technically theatre for children, but their stuff is amazing, and volunteer ushers get to watch for free.
A handful of tickets are held for each performance to be given away for FREE to Pi Theatre members. How do you become a member, you ask? It costs a mean $3.14 (yes, that's a pi joke) for a year's membership.
The Cultch offers free tickets in exchange for volunteer work. Now, their volunteer system is a little more intensive than many other companies' - there's training and you have to put in a certain number of hours before you get a free show. However, some of the most exciting shows I've seen in Vancouver have been at The Cultch, so it's totally worth it.
They have pay-what-you-can Wednesday matinees for all you non-9-5-ers!
Ubuntu on stage April 12-21 at The Firehall.
One of the longest-running festivals in Vancouver, they have an extensive volunteer program. Last I checked in, you got a free show for every 4 hours worked, and they have so many different volunteer positions available that there is sure to be a job you want to do. Volunteers get a lot of other perks including free food, drink tickets, and free shows (many shows offer special complimentary performances to staff and volunteers regardless of how many hours you've worked).
One of the coolest theatre festivals around. PuSh always brings some of the most innovative work to town. They also let volunteers see shows for free. Sign up in advance, they fill all positions early.
They have student rush tickets for $22 - it's not exactly a super cheap ticket, but considering their full price tickets it sure is a deal. Use your discretion.
Interested in getting involved in the theatre community beyond watching some shows? The GVPTA (Greater Vancouver Professional Theatre Alliance) is hosting an Open Spaces event Cultural Diversity, Community Identity for FREE from 9:30-4:30pm on Tuesday, March 27th.
One thing is for sure: this list is in no way complete. This city is chalk full of theatre, and most companies offer cheap options to keep their work accessible. When in doubt, check the website. If you can't find anything there, just send an email and ask if they're looking for volunteer ushers or have any cheaper theatre nights. Worst case: they say no. Best case: you get to experience the awesomeness that is live theatre.
In the meantime, if you've got a cheap theatre tip, let it be known!
