Opinion: Teens should go to the theatre

Going to the theatre is my favorite pastime.

There is nothing more overwhelming than the feeling when the music starts and the performance begins. My heart often skips a beat and sometimes moves me to tears.

However, many of my peers seem to not share this same sentiment as me. Perhaps the perception is theatre for an older audience because it’s marketed more toward them. Some say that theatre is too expensive and difficult to get to.

Though these points are valid, they are not excuses to not ever experience live theatre.

Theatre productions can be for all ages. However, certain productions are encouraged for an older audience, like “Avenue Q.” Others cater to a younger one, like “Lion King,” “Wicked” and “Pippin.”

(Emma Hunton plays Elphaba in the current production of “Wicked.” Photo by Jill Spector.)

While some seats in a theatre are expensive, one can get a good seat and enjoy a show at a reasonable price.

The Pantages Theatre in Hollywood, for example, offers patrons an opportunity to enter a pre-show lottery to see a current production at a discount. Those interested must get to the theatre two-and-a-half hours before the show begins to enter their name on a ticket. Only a limited number of tickets are available and winners must be present to claim their seats. These tickets cost $25 cash and you must have valid identification to claim them.

The Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles offers students ages 13-23 the chance to see various productions with specially-priced tickets that start at $20. In addition to seeing a performance, signing up for this program also provides students with free opportunities for workshops, leadership programs and performance opportunities.

Cheaper tickets can also be found in Goldstar, LivingSocial and Groupon.

For people who have difficulty driving to a theatre, the Metro Red Line’s stop at Hollywood and Vine lets off right in front of the Pantages. The Civic Center and Grand Park station for the Metro Red and Purple lines conveniently drops off about two blocks from the Ahmanson.

For people who want to stay closer to home, there are some amazing theatres located in North Hollywood. These theatres include El Portal and The Road Theater Company.

This season’s shows at the Pantages will include “Wicked” from Dec. 10 to March 15, “Newsies” from March 24 to April 19, “Motown” from April 28 to June 7 and “The Phantom of the Opera” from June 11 to Aug. 2.

The Ahmanson will host “Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella” from March 17 to April 26,as well as “Matilda the Musical” from May 29 to June 12.