The Twin Cities are known for their abundance of music and theater accessible to the public. Many shows may be above a student’s budget, which is why the Ordway Center for Performance Arts and the Orpheum Theater created student rush tickets.

Senior Anna Newell said she thinks the discount benefits students who may not usually be able to afford going to the theater.

“I think it’s nice because people who save up their money are given the chance to experience the theater,” Newell said.

Rush tickets are admissions that have not yet been purchased on the day of the performance and are available for purchase in person at the theater.

At the Ordway in St. Paul, the student rush tickets cost $30 compared to regular priced tickets ranging from $42 to $130. The tickets must be paid for in cash and there is a two ticket limit per student or educator with an ID.

Alan Post, education coordinator at the Ordway, said increasing sales was not the only reason the theater decided to give students a discount on rush tickets. He said they also aim to create an appeal for music and theater events for all ages.

“It’s about accessibility for all, so we wanted to do this for students to have the opportunity to attend a Broadway performance, or a world music performance at a price that is more accessible for their budget,” Post said. “We wanted to keep in mind that education is a key element in our mission and vision.”

Performances available at the Ordway in the coming months include “The Blue Man Group,” “Bring It On: The Musical,” the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra with the Miró Quartet and “The Magic Flute” put on by the Minnesota Opera.

Junior Emmi Zheng said she thinks giving students a discount on rush tickets is a great way to encourage students to expose themselves to local music and theater.

“I love the idea because it encourages kids to find new kinds of entertainment and gives them the opportunity to have a cultural experience that they might not be able to have otherwise,” Zheng said.

At the Orpheum Theater, student discount rush tickets are available only for certain shows. The tickets at the deducted price typically range from $20 to $25.

Upcoming performances at the Orpheum include the musical “Once,” music artist St. Vincent and “RAIN: A Tribute to the Beatles.”

Sophomore Joe Villano said he has not purchased any rush tickets but thinks the discounted price is beneficial.

“I think it will give students more opportunities to experience culture,” Villano said. “Students often don’t think ahead to buy tickets so this will bring a younger audience.”