While going to see a play in Paris can sometimes be expensive, there are several ways to enjoy it without blowing your budget. Here are our tips for lovers of theater, so you don't have to put the brakes on your passion!
Let's start with youth. Good news for those under 26: you can take advantage of reduced-price tickets at some of the capital's private theaters. Within the limits of available seats, young spectators can sometimes get tickets at 10 euros for 1st or 2nd category seats. To do so, log on to the theater's website or call the theater the same day.
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This week, Paris offers an exceptional selection of plays and shows to suit all tastes. Take advantage of the capital's charm and long summer evenings to discover new creations. [Read more]
Over 26? Don't worry, your cultural life doesn't stop here, thanks to our other low-cost solutions. In Paris, there's a Kiosque Théâtre, offering plays at half-price for the same day. Just go to 15 place de la Madeleine to buy your ticket in person. The Kiosque is open Tuesday to Saturday, from 12:30 to 14:30 and from 15:00 to 19:30.
A number of theaters have also set up their own "bargain kiosks". The Comédie-Française is offering between 65 and 85 seats at €5 for each performance in the Salle Richelieu , and up to 85 free seats for under-28s. Reduced-visibility tickets can be picked up one hour before the start of the performance, without reservation, at the Petit Bureau.
No time to get away at the last minute? Théâtre et Producteurs Associés offers previews of shows for 50% less than the original price. Why do we do this? Because a premiere is an opportunity for artists to test their show for the rest of the run. Be their first critics!
Some theaters also offer subscriptions, so you can enjoy a greater number of plays at reduced prices. These include Théâtre de la Ville, Point Virgule, Théâtre de l'Odéon and many others. To find information on subscriptions for each theater, visit their websites.
Another key technique, and often the best-known of all, is that of discount websites. Numerous sites now offer discounts on plays, such as BilletRéduc, Ticketac, TicketMaster...
One last tip: Parisian theaters are often deserted on the evenings of majorsporting events or national holidays (the evening of Fête de la Musique, the evening of July 14th, Christmas Eve, etc.), and tickets are sold at very low prices!
So, as you can see, there are plenty of ways to discover a play without blowing your budget - all it takes is a little reactivity and determination!
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