They say there’s no such thing as a free lunch. Perhaps that’s true, but there are free tickets.
Thanks to the Richmond Performing Arts Alliance, at least 100 free tickets will be available to the public for each production of Broadway in Richmond’s 2023-24 season.
This year’s season includes live performances of “Frozen,” “Six,” “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical,” “Annie,” “To Kill a Mockingbird,” “Tina: The Tina Turner Musical” and “Beetlejuice” at the Altria Theater. Each “RPAA Night” will be held on selected Wednesdays.
Who gets the tickets? Ashley Moore, a spokesperson for RPAA, says they’ll “determine the targeted audience based on the theme and age appropriateness of the show. Some shows will have specific school partnership opportunities (for students and teachers) while others may be better suited for partnerships with nonprofit organizations that serve adult populations. There will certainly be opportunities for the public at large to request tickets, outside of these partnerships.”
Asked if these tickets are intended solely for school-age children, Moore says the age range will depend on the show. “Frozen,” and “Annie” are more family-friendly than “Tina,” for example.
Potential theatergoers will have to apply on a show-by-show basis for the free tickets, and the application for each show will be launched roughly one month before the curtain. The application for free “Frozen” tickets is currently available.
In addition to receiving free tickets, those chosen will be able to participate in pre-show events with an educational focus, such as “lectures, guided discussions, chatbacks, masterclasses/workshops, panels, mini-performances or even a resource fair,” according to a press release. “Further educational supplements will also be provided by distributing lesson plans and study guides revolving around the show’s themes, plot and history to teachers through RPAA’s school district partners.”
Moore says it’s possible that more than 100 tickets will be available per show, depending on price and availability.
RPAA was founded as the Virginia Performing Arts Foundation in 2001 to build what is now the Dominion Energy Center for the Performing Arts. It currently oversees that center and the Altria Theatre. The nonprofit is fully funding the tickets and pre-show events while working in collaboration with Broadway in Richmond.
