Your ticket prices seem awfully low, why? Is the quality of the production not good?

One of the most common questions we receive at UpStage Artists is: "Why are your ticket prices so low?"

The quick answer is that we choose to keep them low—but there’s more to it than that.

The Cost of Producing a Single Show

Performance Rights

The cost of performance rights varies depending on the show. For non-musical productions, rights typically range from $105 to $130 per performance. Musicals are significantly more expensive, costing anywhere from $250 to $500 per performance. We usually put on six performances per production (sometimes seven, as we offer a free show for groups such as nursing homes).

Scripts

When producing a show, we are required to purchase a script for every role in the production—even if a role has only a single line. Additionally, we need scripts for the director and often the stage manager. Scripts generally cost between $13 and $15 per copy.

Costumes

Costume expenses vary widely based on the production. A show like The Wizard of Oz requires more elaborate and costly costumes than a modern-day office setting. While we often ask performers to provide costumes from their own wardrobes, that’s not always feasible. For instance, in our recent production of Rope, the director wanted the actors to wear bright, flashy outfits to distinguish them from one another. Most people don’t have neon green, blue, or orange suits—or tuxedos with tails—lying around. Although we searched thrift stores, we had to purchase many items, bringing our total costume cost to about $230.

Props

While we reuse many props, we don’t always have everything needed for a production. Although we sometimes borrow from other theater groups, we often have to purchase items. Depending on the show, props can cost anywhere from $10 to $150—or more if we need to build something custom.

Sets

We are fortunate to have a flexible system that allows us to create unique sets using the same core pieces in different configurations. Most community theaters must build new sets for each show, requiring new materials, paint, and construction—expenses that can quickly add up. Since we perform in a multi-use space, we need to be able to dismantle our sets quickly. Our system of pipes and drapes allows us to create collapsible walls that store compactly, helping us keep costs low. While some theaters spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on a single set, we aim for a more economical approach.

Advertising and Publicity

Marketing a show isn’t cheap. Expenses include printing posters, handout cards for events, and cast headshots for lobby displays and programs. These costs can total up to $300 per production, and that doesn’t include digital advertising on social media platforms.

The Cost vs. Ticket Revenue

When you add everything up, an average production costs approximately $1,600 before we sell a single ticket.

Info from https://www.statista.com/

Ticket Prices in the Industry

According to data from Statista, the average community theater ticket price between 2015 and 2019 ranged from $36 to $40. In our area, typical ticket prices fall between $24 and $30. So why don’t we raise our prices to match those of other theaters?

Our Commitment to Affordable Theater

We believe theater is an essential part of culture and should be accessible to everyone. Our goal is for families to enjoy live performances without financial strain. We want to provide an affordable night out that fosters a love for the arts.

How We Keep Ticket Prices Low

UpStage Artists has been fortunate to receive support from community partnerships that allow us to continue providing affordable theater experiences. Our biggest supporter is Emmanuel United Methodist Church, which provides us with rehearsal, storage, and performance space year-round in exchange for a monthly donation. We also receive annual contributions from the Prince George’s Community Federal Credit Union and Ovis, LLC. Additionally, we rely on small-dollar donations from our community—32 generous supporters have contributed to our work over the years. Thanks to the kindness of our supporters, we can continue to offer high-quality community theater at an affordable price.

If you’d like to donate, you can click here.

Thank you for your support! We look forward to seeing you at the theater!