Save $ome Dough: A Handful of Chicago Rush Policies

With the holiday season several weeks behind us and a new year ahead, saving up the pennies to see a live show in Chicago may be problematic to some. Yet, thanks to the know-how of some local theatre companies, day-of rush policies exist to help fill those empty seats at the last minute. While not every theatre in Chicago offers Student, General, or other Rush programs, a good handful offer tickets at a severely discounted rate to patrons who don't mind waiting until the day of performance. Here's a noninclusive list of some local theatres' discount ticket policies.

Blue Man Group - For all performances, Student Rush tickets will be made available 2 hours prior to show time, in person at the Box Office. Students with a valid high school or college ID can purchase 2 tickets, per ID. Tickets are $35 a piece (subject to availability). There will be a limited supply of tickets, and they will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis, limit of 2 tickets per student with valid ID. The Briar Street Theatre, 3133 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60657.

Broadway in Chicago - With so many different shows flying in and out of the Loop's big touring houses, it's always an ever-changing lineup of discounts. Whether it's a Lottery a la WICKED or Rush Seats a la JERSEY BOYS, it's always good to check out BroadwayInChicago.com for current shows' promotions. Bank of America Theatre: 18 W. Monroe, Ford Center For The Performing Arts, Oriental Theatre: 24 W. Randolph, Cadillac Palace Theatre: 151 W. Randolph, Broadway Playhouse: 175 E. Chestnut, or call (800) 775-2000.

Chicago Dramatists - $15 Student Tickets are offered for every Thursday performance by calling 312-633-0630 or at the box office on the night of the show. Chicago Dramatists, 1105 W. Chicago, Chicago, IL 60622.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater - No daily rush promotions, but $20 tickets are available for anyone 35 and under (students and young theater professionals included) in advance. Chicago Shakespeare Theater, 800 E. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60611.

City Lit Theater - Offers $10 student tickets (regular full price is $25) and can be purchased in advance.  Half-price day-of-performance tickets can be found through the League of Chicago Theatres' Hot Tix booth. City Lit Theater, 1020 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Chicago, IL 60660.

Entertainment Book - Chicagoland's perennial penny-saver, the Entertainment Book, offers coupons to several area theatres, including Raven Theatre, Strawdog Theatre Co., Improv Kitchen, the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire, Drury Lane Oakbrook. Make sure your book corresponds with the correct suburb, as all books to not feature the same coupons.

Goodman Theatre - Mezztix: half-price mezzanine tickets available at 12 noon at the box office and at 10am online (promo code MEZZTIX) day of performance; Mezztix are not available by telephone. 10Tix are $10 rear mezzanine tickets for students available at 12 noon at the box office and at 10am online on the day of performance; 10Tix are not available by telephone; a valid student I.D. must be presented when picking up the tickets; limit four per student with I.D. All tickets are subject to availability and handling fees apply. Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn, Chicago, IL 60601.

Hot Tix - Brought to you by the League of Chicago Theatres, Hot Tix sells half price theatre tickets at two outlet locations and online to plays, musicals, and special events throughout Chicagoland. Hot Tix, 72 E. Randolph (between Michigan Avenue and Wabash Avenue, across the street from Chicago Cultural Center) and 163 E. Pearson (at Michigan Avenue, in the Water Works Visitor Center).

Lookingglass - Student Rush tickets can be purchased for any show the day of the performance for only $20. Student rush tickets must be purchased in person. Cash only. Student ID must be from an accredited academic institution. Seating is subject to availability. Call the box office at 312-337-0665 or email box@lookingglasstheatre.org to check availability beforehand. Lookingglass, 821 N. Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611.

Northlight Theatre - $20 "Day-Of": Limited supplies of $20 Tickets are available for purchase the day of performance, in person at the Box Office or by phone at 847.673.6300.  Industry Nights: $10 Tickets for theatre industry professionals to all preview performances. Offer available by phone or walk-up, must mention the code INDUSTRY to reserve. Proof of industry (headshot, business card, etc.) requested upon ticket pickup. Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, IL 60077.

Steppenwolf Theatre Company - 20 for $20: Twenty $20 tickets are available at Audience Services beginning at 11am on the day of each performance (1 pm for Sunday performances). Rush Tickets: Half-price rush tickets are available one hour before each show. Student Discounts: $15 student tickets are available online using promo code for each production. (Limit 2 tickets. Must present a valid student ID for each ticket). Steppenwolf Theatre Company, 1650 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60614.

Theater Wit - All shows in the building offer $15 Student Rush tickets starting at 6pm. That includes Theater Wit, resident, and guest productions. Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago, IL 60657.

This is far from an end-all-be-all compilation, so please check non-listed companys' web sites, box offices, Facebook fan pages, Twitter feeds, etc. for additional promotions. They're definitely out there. Per usual, all tickets are based on availability and additional service & handling fees may apply, so please clarify all sales with the theatre you wish to attend.

And feel free to contact me if you know of any other promotions, updates, or additions.

Happy theatre-going!

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