Senior Maddie Lind said the Hennepin Theatre Trust’s student and educator rush program does a great job of administering lower prices, making tickets to shows more accessible to students.

“It was super cheap for incredible seats at this Disney show and it was kind of magical,” Lind said. 

According to Hennepin Theatre Director of Public Relations and Communications Andrea Cournoyer, this affordability is the basis for the program. 

“The student and educator rush program is run by Hennepin Theatre Trust so that we can provide access to students and educators who may not otherwise have access to Broadway shows and other entertainment,” Cournoyer said. “We want to make that accessible and available. The best way to do it is through our student and educator rush.”

Cournoyer said although the program isn’t available for all of the varied entertainments provided at Hennepin Theatre Trust locations, the organization will provide it whenever they can.

“If there are seats available and with the permission of the individual show, so either Broadway show or other entertainment, then we’ll make those seats available,” Cournoyer said. “When there is inventory available … we would rather have a full theater.”

According to Lind, the program is good overall, though some aspects can be less than ideal. 

“I feel like (the program) is very streamlined. The worst part is waiting outside,” Lind said. “It’s kind of annoying that you can only pay with cash but other than that, all you have to do is show your student or educator card and you get really, really fantastic tickets for super cheap.”

Cournoyer said the program functions with a typical rush format, which can involve waiting in lines. 

“You have to come to the theater a couple of hours before the show starts and bring your school ID,” Cournoyer said. “Then you’re able to purchase a ticket at a fairly reduced rate.”

According to Lind, the differences between the live entertainment Hennepin Theatre Trust offers and online entertainment is what gives the experience value.

“Live entertainment is such a different experience because you’re in this auditorium with hundreds, if not thousands, of other people to see people performing live right in front of you,” Lind said. 

Lind said these experiences through the student and educator rush program can be appreciated by anyone, regardless of past experience with musical theater.

“I would recommend (the program),” Lind said. “Even if you’re not super into theater it’s a super great way to see a show that might pique your interest and you don’t have to spend upwards of $100 to get good tickets.”

According to Cournoyer, you can sign up for Hennepin Theatre Trusts student and educator rush email list to receive notifications about the status of upcoming shows. She also encourages those interested to look at other local theater’s websites, as many in the surrounding area offer similar programs.