Pacific Northwest Ballet in Kent Stowell's The Nutcracker JOEL ROGERS
An organization can say that “art is for everyone” as much as they want, but until they make an effort to prop that door open, the arts will continue to be a place where many people feel they are not welcomed. I am greatly appreciative for, and admire the work that Pacific Northwest Ballet does to make ballet more accessible for the community. Throughout ballet’s history, it has been seen as something that is only for those who can afford its luxury, but companies like Pacific Northwest Ballet have been working hard to open the door so that anyone can receive the gift of live performances. As someone who was devastated when I aged out of Teen Tix and could no longer see anything I wanted for $5, I’ve compiled a list of ways to make a trip to PNB feasible on any budget.
Pay What You Want Night
Starting off with what I believe to be PNB’s greatest gift to the community: Pay What You Want Night! This initiative was started in February, 2022, and since then has seen the theater full of appreciative audiences. During all six reps, every Thursday is Pay What You Want Night and starting at $5, you can choose how much you want to pay for any available seat in the house. Tickets can be purchased at the box office starting an hour and a half before the show, and are available on a first come, first serve basis. For every Thursday performance (excluding The Nutcracker), you could find yourself in McCaw Hall for only $5! I am so grateful that PNB has provided this opportunity to the community. A company can say as much as they want that they are trying to serve everyone, or that they believe in equity, but PNB has put actions where words usually sit.
The Pay What You Want dates for the rest of the 23/24 season are:
One Thousand Pieces: March 21st
The Seasons's Canon: April 18th
Coppelia: June 6th
Rush Tickets
Rush tickets are another great gift that PNB has given to the community. During all regular season performances, rush tickets are available to students, educators, seniors (65+), arts industry workers, and government/military. You can purchase rush tickets at the box office up to one and a half hours before the show, just show your ID and enjoy 50% off any ticket! Most people who qualify for rush tickets don’t know that this option exists, but it is such a great opportunity to see world-class ballet half off. Go see the ballet for 50% percent off, or go see it twice for the price of once!
The Pointe
The Pointe is another great initiative that offers discounts to members ages 20-40. This mailing list brings exclusive offers to your inbox on regular season performances. Depending on the rep, these generous offers range from 30-50%, or a set discounted price for a certain section. It’s certainly not to miss! Join the mailing list here: https://www.pnb.org/season/offers/thepointe/
Teen Tix
Teen Tix is undoubtedly the greatest gift that Seattle has ever given to their teenagers. Anyone ages 13-19 can register for a Teen Tix account which grants $5 day-of tickets at over 100 arts venues in and around Seattle. To learn more visit: https://www.teentix.org/
Digital Season
Although this is not an in-person option, the digital season provides those unable to attend in person (or those like me who are slightly obsessed and need to see each show one more time) the opportunity to view PNB’s full season from home. A full season digital subscription costs $300, but partial subscriptions are also available as the season continues. The full season includes all six reps and The Nutcracker. These up close captures of opening night are one of the good things that came from the pandemic, and I’m grateful that PNB continues to offer a digital season.
Other Digital Offers
Outside of Pacific Northwest Ballet, I want to highlight some other options for ballet viewing from the comfort of your own home:
Royal Opera House Stream
Experience the world famous Royal Ballet in classical and contemporary repertory. This streaming site boasts an impressive amount of performances, insight events, and commentary.
-Two week free trial, then $12.83 per month
Marquee TV
Described as being the “Netflix for the arts”, Marquee TV is the place to watch theater, opera, music, and dance from all around the world, as well as behind-the-scenes specials and documentaries. This collection of work is truly a celebration of the performing arts!
-$9.99 per months (some backstage pass videos are available with a free account)
Everyone deserves to have art in their life, to experience the wonder and joy of live performances, and to feel they belong. I hope to see you at the ballet!
Thank you for visiting Seattle Ballet! This blog is a love letter to the ballet community of Seattle and I'm so glad to share it with you! You can find out more about Pacific Northwest Ballet at pnb.org and be sure to follow @seattleballet to stay up to date with all the dance happenings of Seattle!
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