With no end to the government shutdown in sight, many DMV arts organizations are offering free or discounted tickets to federal government workers.
DMV theaters recognize that government employees have helped make the region’s theater so vibrant over the past decades as patrons, subscribers, donations-givers, actors, and technical artisans. “We are honored to offer discounts to federal employees,” said Evan Hoffmann, artistic director at NextStop Theatre.
Neal Racioppo, senior director of marketing and communications at Shakespeare Theatre Company echoed the sentiment. “Federal employees have always been there for us and we want to be there for them now. We at the Shakespeare Theatre Company are not unique in looking for ways to federal workers during these tough times. The entire theater community wants to help.”
The following is an initial list of area theaters offering special discounts to federal employees during the shutdown:
Arena Stage: Free Tickets! Arena is now offering government employees FREE TICKETS to January 18-23 performances of Kleptocracy and February 8-13 performances of The Heiress. Present your government ID at the box office when picking up your tickets.
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical: The Broadway production of Beautiful is offering furloughed workers FREE tickets to select Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday evening performances. To claim a ticket, eligible federal employees must present a valid government ID at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre’s box office (124 West 43rd Street, NY) on the day of the desired performance. Tickets will only be available in-person at the box office. The offer is only good for the duration of the shutdown.
Ticket Link and Show Details
George Mason University, Center for the Arts: $5 tickets are available to federal employees to the following shows and performances. Present a federal ID at the box office:
MOMIX dance company presents Opus Cactus – Friday, January 25 at 8 pm
Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra: Benny and Beyond – Saturday, January 26 at 8 pm
The Phantom Tollbooth – Sunday, January 27 at 2 pm
George Mason University, Hylton Performing Arts Center: $5 tickets are available to federal employees to the following shows and performances. Present a federal ID at the box office:
We Shall Overcome – Sunday, January 20 at 3 pm
The Phantom Tollbooth – Saturday, January 26 at 2 pm and 4 pm
NextStop Theatre: NextStop is offering 50% discounts for weekday performance of [title of show] while supplies last. New purchases only. Use code “FED19” at checkout.
Ticket link and show details
Pointless Theatre: Bring a Fed for Free! Pointless is offering the following deal for the entire run of its production Visions of Love: Buy one ticket at get one free with a valid government ID. Free tickets can be reserved at the box office starting one hour prior to show time. This offer stands for the duration of the shutdown.
Ticket link and show details
Riverside Center for the Performing Arts: Riverside is excited to support our government friends who have been furloughed by offering a free show ticket to this Thursday’s performance of “La Cage aux Folles.” (January 24, 2019) Additional show only tickets can be purchased for $50. Arrival time is 7 pm for a 7:30 pm show. Must show government ID at the Box Office to receive this offer.
Ticket link and show details
Shakespeare Theatre Company: STC is now offering FREE tickets to Richard the Third. Free tickets are available to furloughed workers for any performance February 5-10. Use promo code “FEDERAL19” when reserving tickets. Tickets may be ordered online, by phone, or at the box office. A valid federal ID is required when picking up tickets at the box office.
Ticket link and event details
Studio Theatre: Furloughed friends enjoy 20% off tickets to Studio’s two current shows, Kings or Admissions using promo code “DCisOPEN.” Must show valid government ID. Expires January 23.
Ticket link and show details
Woolly Mammoth: Using the code “SHUTDOWN,” federal employees can get a 15% discount on tickets to any performance of Woolly’s BLKS. BLKS, by playwright/poet Aziza Barnes and directed by Nataki Garrett, runs February 4th through March 3rd.
Ticket link and show details
Workhouse Arts Center: Workhouse Arts Center is thrilled to support their friends in the federal government who are furloughed. While the government remains closed, you are invited to visit the Workhouse Arts Center and show your government ID to enjoy 10% savings on all classes, art sales, and Workhouse productions at the W-3 theater. Visit the customer service desk in building W-16 (Wednesday through Sunday, 9518 Workhouse Way, in Lorton, VA) to learn more about upcoming classes and events.
Venue details
This list was most recently updated on January 24th, 2019.
Know of another theater offering discounts to furloughed government workers? Leave a comment and we will update our list.
Riverside Center for the Performing Arts is excited to support our government friends who have been furloughed by offering a free show ticket to this Thursday’s performance of “La Cage aux Folles.” (January 24, 2019) Additional show only tickets can be purchased for $50. Arrival time is 7pm for a 7:30pm show. Must show government ID at the Box Office to receive this offer.
Orlando Rep (Orlando, Fl) is offering up to four free tickets each for furloughed government employees and their families