Despite the efforts of many theaters and event venues to offer affordable prices, the relatively high ticket prices deter many spectators from traveling.
Posted at 7:00 am.
Pauline Beauregard writes to us: “My city will soon receive Daniel Bélanger, I wanted to hear him so much, well, no.” The ticket costs $75, think about it: $75 × 2 = $150. My grocery store for a week. I love culture, but when I open my wallet it happens, I feel sorry for the artists. I just stay hungry. »
The current economic context is not trivial. With high inflation and rising interest rates forcing households to review the amounts paid to repay their mortgage loan, decisions are needed. At almost $80 per ticket for a theater visit or a show, it’s an expensive evening…restaurant and transportation not included. Broadcasters that have an advantageous price list – minimum prices between $25 and $35 per ticket – would undoubtedly benefit from greater exposure.
Denis Lagacé is against service fees. “We wanted to see The Addams Family in St-Denis. There were tickets on the website at a good price. On the other hand, the Ticketpro online service fee per ticket was $11.99. For five people it’s $60, which is one ticket. We decided not to go. »
The reaction of two theater directors
PHOTO DAVID BOILY, LA PRESSE ARCHIVE
Claude Poissant, artistic director of the Théâtre Denise-Pelletier
“Theaters are trying to make plays more accessible, but it is certainly a challenge,” says Théâtre Denise-Pelletier’s artistic director Claude Poissant. Our prices vary between $29 and $45 per ticket, which is still affordable, especially since public funding has not increased much. But there is no law about that, because there are programs that are expensive and sell well…”
PHOTO ANDRÉ PICHETTE, LA PRESSE ARCHIVE
Catherine Vidal, co-artistic director of Quat’Sous
Quat’Sous’ new co-general director and co-artistic director Catherine Vidal wants to “communicate more with the public”. She is aware that even at $43 a ticket, “not everyone can afford a night at the theater.” “The example of Prospero – which introduced accessible pricing where people can choose the price they pay ($25, $35, $42 or $50) – is really interesting. I can’t wait to see the results of this exercise. We have also begun offering up to 10 unsold tickets for $20 one hour before our shows begin. »