Is Theatre Too Expensive? (Part III)

I've enjoyed this ongoing debate - it's one that's probably been around about as long as community theatre has been in existence.

I wanted to add a few points: few if any community theatre groups are in it to get rich. Almost all of them are non-profit organizations, with most of the people involved volunteering their time - and most are operating on slim margins. None of them will last long if they put on shows that lose money.

The problem is, no one knows how many people will turn out for any given show, so they have to use experience and educated guesses to determine what price to charge for a ticket. Some groups charges $10, $12, $15, $20 or more - all depending on how expensive the show is and how many people they guess will attend.

Each group hopes to make a profit on each show so they can fund the next show. More than one group has folded - or almost folded - because it ran out of funds.

Most theatre groups would be thrilled if they could present the show for free. (Lest you think I'm being silly, son Justin tells me that there are theatre groups in Austin, Texas, that are completely underwritten and charge nothing for their performances.)

But the reality is that most groups survive on ticket sales. And even at the $20 price, community theatre is quite a bargain. To see live performances on a stage is a wonderful experience - there's really nothing like it. No film can match the energy of a live performance, which can combine costumes, scenery, music, dancing, drama - the list goes on and on.

But these are tough economic times, and buying a ticket for a show or a movie is beyond some people - and that's a shame. The more people are exposed to live theatre, the more they enjoy it - but getting them in the theatre isn't easy, and there's a lot of competition out there for your entertainment dollar.

There are ways to see a show without buying a ticket. You can volunteer with a local theatre group - help build sets, make costumes, etc. - then you can see the show you helped create.

The easiest way is to volunteer to be an usher. As my pal Bil Neal said:

Most of the time when we're putting on a show we need ushers. It's about 30 minutes worth of work, and you see the show at no cost.

Do I wish tickets were cheaper? Absolutely. I know it's a lot of money for a family to pay for a show.

But you can see live theatre for about the cost of a movie ticket, some popcorn and a drink - and that's not too bad.

And believe me, every local theatre group is grateful to everyone who buys a ticket and supports their efforts. It's a tough time for theatre, and they need all the help they can get!