The secret to free (or extremely cheap) theater is pay-what-you-can nights. Sometimes a preview, sometimes not, these nights are just as good as regular shows, and if you truly can’t afford to pay anything, they’ll still let you in.
Local companies offering PWYC are Tacoma Little Theatre (7:30 p.m. the Thursday after each show opens) and Lakewood Playhouse (8 p.m. the Thursday before and after opening). In Seattle, try Intiman Theatre (the Wednesday before opening, if the theater manages to get back on its feet after shutting down last season) or 5th Ave Theatre (free Spotlight Nights going behind the scenes of upcoming shows).
As is the case for all free events, it helps to get there early to get a good seat, although relatively few people seem to be aware of PWYC nights. And this is a great way to try new shows or get your kids into the arts – if you don’t like it you can always leave early and not feel you’ve wasted your ticket.
Bear in mind, though, that if you can pay even a little, it’ll help local theater thrive.
Some pay-what-you-can events coming up soon:
“Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,” a stage adaption of the famous novel by Robert Louis Stevenson, making the split personality of the lead character far more complex. 7:30 p.m. Oct. 20 at Tacoma Little Theatre, 210 N. I St., Tacoma; 253-272-2281, tacomalittletheatre.com.
“Oliver!” is an oldie but a goodie, with plenty of popular numbers (“Consider Yourself,” “Where is Love?” and, of course, the title song), plus a cute kids’ chorus. 8 p.m. Nov. 23 and Dec. 1 at Lakewood Playhouse, 5729 Lakewood Towne Center Blvd., Lakewood; 253-588-0042, lakewoodplayhouse.org.
And a Spotlight Night:
“Cinderella,” 7 p.m. Nov. 3 at 5th Avenue Theater, 1308 Fifth Ave., Seattle; 206-625-1900, 5thavenue.org
Rosemary Ponnekanti: 253-597-8568
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