Rachel’s guide to making performances a regular part of life: Part one
Originally published on The JOLT News on January 7, 2025
Whether I am meeting a JOLT reader for the first time, or I am chatting with various friends and family, I can without a doubt claim that the question I get the most often is, “How do you do it — go to so many performances?” That is a completely valid question, and I have given my short answer to that question each time I am asked.
Think of performances like watching a movie, only live and with our local community. I do not grow tired of shows because each one is different, and the only work I have to do is get dressed (sometimes fancy, but often not), drive, park my car, and sit and watch the artists do their thing.
Believe me, it's much more work for them than it is for me. Some of my end of day “movie time” goes into the arts, and I find it much more fulfilling and healthy (after all, there are seldom the blue lights like you see on a television). Like anything else, when you make it part of your routine, it becomes natural and second nature, making it less tiring on your system.
Is your new year's resolution to go to more shows? If so, you have come to the right place.
In 2025 alone, I attended 73 shows in total, 62 of which were local. With a few years of this lifestyle under my belt, I have accumulated tips and tricks that have made my life easier, more cost effective, and vibrant with incorporating the arts to my regular routine.
Part two will be released later this week.
Budgeting for the arts
OK yes, I am fully aware that not every ticket is cost effective. Naturally, I find the majority of costs worth it in the grand scheme of things, but in an expensive world, it is not always easy to grapple with. Here are some ideas of how you can budget for the arts:
• Shop for subscriptions: Most places offer either what is called a “full subscription” or flex passes that allow you to see a handful of shows. Both allow you to see shows at a discounted rate, but naturally the more you spend, the greater the discount will be. Attending season previews or researching shows ahead of time will allow you to choose wisely. There is often a fee waived or discount when you subscribe early, so don’t procrastinate.
• Shows at sliding scales: As with many things, there are often age based discounts. However, many places around here are beginning to offer ticket discounts to people who are low income. Read each theater’s website to learn more. Also, if you subscribe or attend a show at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts, some shows are more expensive than others. Do your research.
Some shows or special performances are free, donation-based, or pay what you can. Highlight and prioritize these occasions in your planner if low income. If you can reasonably afford to attend a show, please pay regular prices and donate so you can sustain these accessible programs. Also, high school shows tend to be at a lower cost, and you get to support students at the same time.
• Volunteer ushering: If you want to make the arts a truly regular part of your life, this is a great option for you. Most theatres have volunteer usher programs. All you do is show up in dress code an hour or so in advance, greet people before, during intermission and after the show. You guide people to the resources they need and might lend a hand in cleaning up afterward. This is a volunteer position, meaning you have to do a little work, but you do get to watch the show, which is fun.
This is a great opportunity for people of all ages and most capabilities. However, if you are someone who is introverted and would struggle in this scene, please proceed with caution or find other ways to volunteer in the theatre community. If you are someone who runs a little cranky or is prone to laziness, this may not be the best option for you. Volunteer ushers are there to enhance the experience, not make it worse. Cranky ushers have tempted me to be grumpy in the past, but really kind ushers have left me feeling encouraged and empowered.
• Budgeting: Set aside a little money each pay check to make it happen. It could be any amount, even as small as $15 that you put into a separate account. Then when subscription time comes up, or you get an email about a show presale, you have an extra chunk of change to work with.
https://www.thejoltnews.com/stories/rachels-guide-to-making-performances-a-regular-part-of-life-part-1,27709