Theater deal provides discounted tickets for students

Part of the thrill of student rush — discounted tickets for high school and college students to performances — comes from the unpredictability, according to Trish Kirk, director of marketing and audience development at the Guthrie.

“You don’t know what’s going to be available for rush until the day (of the show),” Kirk said.

By taking advantage of rush tickets, students can experience the community’s arts in a different way, according to Karen Nelson, communications director at Hennepin Theater Trust.

Kirk said rush tickets provide a fun opportunity for students and are a way to involve young people in theater.  

“We want to do everything we can to encourage young people to come. We don’t want price to be a barrier,” Kirk said.

Rush ticket policies vary between theatres, but most make rush tickets available two hours before the start of the show if there are tickets still available, according to Nelson.

“Sales start two hours prior to the show and are available, cash only, on a first-come-first-served basis, with a limit of two per person. Prices range, but commonly are in the $20-$25 vicinity,” Nelson said.

Junior Megan Aune said rush tickets provide students with a special experience.

“At a reduced rate, it’s a great way to spend a Saturday night,” Aune said.

Nelson said students can benefit from the last-minute nature of rush tickets.

“With schedules that are so filled and changing, it can be a quick alternative to planning way ahead and committing to what could be an expensive ticket,” Nelson said.

The Hennepin Theater Trust established new opportunities for students and adults alike, featuring arts, culture, shops and restaurants on Hennepin Avenue, according to Nelson

“(We’re developing a) cultural district that runs down Hennepin Avenue,” Nelson said.

Nelson said Hennepin Avenue is becoming a strong cultural community.

“It’s really becoming a coherent, connected street,” Nelson said.

Rush tickets are popular, dating back to before the development of the Hennepin Avenue cultural district, according to Nelson.

“They’ve always been popular, because they’re a good deal that allows students or others to see shows at the last minute that they might not otherwise be able to afford,” Nelson said.

Aune said rush tickets should be of interest to high school students.

“Shows are a great way to experience the culture of Minneapolis,” Aune said.

Nelson said young people can learn and socialize while exposing themselves to a broader cultural world.

According to Nelson, rush tickets are limited to certain shows and available only the day of  the performance.

Nelson highlighted the importance of student involvement in local theater.

“Arts and culture are an important part of anybody’s education, and we want to make sure there are opportunities for students (to be involved),” Nelson said.

Students can learn more about rush tickets and the Hennepin Theater Trust at hennepintheatertrust.org.