The cost of admission – are theatre ticket prices too high?

With rising living costs, are our major companies doing enough to ensure access for those on low incomes?

Equitable access regarding ticket prices has become somewhat of a taboo subject in relation to Australia’s mainstage theatre companies. But some believe it is a conversation that the industry needs to have.

ArtsHub has reached out to Australian mainstage theatre companies regarding the issue, receiving a range of responses. Of course, the cost of admission, even at full price is mere loose change for some. But for those that would benefit most from engaging with the work, has attending a mainstage show become little more than a pipe dream?

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Jessi Ryan (they/them) has been creating performance and exhibitions for the past 20 years, both locally, nationally and abroad- in this time collaborating with a huge number of artists from a broad cross section of cultural backgrounds. As a journalist they have written for and been published by some of Australia’s leading arts and news editorial across the last 10 years-and was recognised as a finalist for Globe Community Media Award in 2021. Ryan has also taken photos for a number of print and online publications.