Thirsty for affordable live theater? Constellation Stage & Screen offers Thursday special
Do you want affordable live theater? It's here in Bloomington on Thursdays. Low — like calories-in-lettuce-low — ticket prices are back at Constellation Stage & Screen on Thursday nights. Pay What You Will Thursdays have encouraged all kinds of attendees to see a live production. Ticket prices, $5-$75, on those nights are up to the patron.
This season, Constellation offers Pay What You Thursdays for all main stage shows at the Waldron Arts Center and Ted Jones Playhouse.
"Holmes & Watson" by Jeffrey Hatcher starts Sept. 7
In this smart thriller, Dr. Watson questions a trio of inmates who claim to be Sherlock Holmes. We all know Holmes died facing the daunting Moriarty years ago, so what gives? "Holmes & Watson" by Jeffrey Hatcher starts Sept. 7 at the Waldron Arts Center Auditorium, and people who opt for a Thursday show get to choose their ticket price.
So, who has been benefitting?
"(These) Thursdays have definitely changed who attends our shows," said Jordan Stephens, Constellation's audience services manager.
"(They) sell out fairly quickly and have the most diverse mix of patrons from a demographic standpoint."
That may be because attendees have included both newbies and long-time patrons, and they often end up sitting next to each other. Students and young professionals in particular have gone for the reduced prices.
"We have many repeat customers attending (these Thursday) shows, and we have noticed that some returning customers increase their willingness to pay more with every show they attend, or at least go above the minimum."
In fact, Constellation has noticed more returning-Thursday-patrons than new patrons. Management is working on bringing more attention to the program, to roundup even more new audience members. The hard part has been spreading the message. "We still are telling folks for the first time that the (Thursday pay-structure) program exists, meaning we still have work to do."
As with Constellation's "Community Access Ticket Program," these Thursday events receive financial boosts from donors. Jessika and Bryan Hane are local community leaders and Rotarians. The Hanes sponsor both theater programs.
"We do take in less revenue than we would if we charged traditional ticket prices, Stephens said. "We continue the program due to our voracious belief that theater is for everyone."
This season's offerings: Constellation Stage & Screen offers original plays, premiere performances for 2023-24
Elitism, be gone!
Stephens said live theater in general has exuded an air of elitism since long before Constellation. "We want to shatter that hostile atmosphere by telling everyone they are invited to a show."
The pay-what-you-will policy came to the attention of one of Constellation's founding companies, Cardinal Stage, where staff admired Azuka Theatre. Azuka is a Philadelphia company that had designed a similar ticket pricing structure. Azuka Theatre was founded in 1999, its name coming from the Nigerian word for “strength of foundation.”
You never know who could be on you right, or left
Audiences with different backgrounds and interests have been sitting together, since seats aren't priced differently.
"So everyone has the opportunity to be in the front row of a live, professional show ... in a place for community-building," Stephens said.
If you go
WHAT: "Holmes & Watson," by Jeffrey Hatcher
WHEN: Sept. 7-24.
WHERE: Waldron Auditorium, 122 S. Walnut St.
TICKETS: $5-$75 for Pay What You Will Thursdays only. For all other (non-Thursday) performances tickets start at $35 for adults and $20 for students and are available through Constellation’s website, seeconstellation.org, by calling 812-336-9300 (Monday-Friday noon to 5 p.m.), or at 122 S. Walnut St. (Wednesday-Friday noon-5 p.m.).
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Constellation Stage & Screen offers discounted tickets on Thursdays
