In a city that’s sadly lacking in professional theaters, Centerstage really stands out. The 45-year-old organization, which always offers a slate of classics, new plays, and innovative musicals, has earned a reputation as Baltimore’s premier theater company. Centerstage courts all kinds of audiences with special programs that aim to make show-going an integral part of its patrons’ social lives.
Pre-show festivities include a party with discounted beer and wine, free eats, and raffle prizes for students and their guests, known as College Night, a cocktail hour for members of the GLBT community (only $5, and free for subscribers), and a family-style dining night for kids and their parents. The First Look series presents readings and workshops of new and in-development works for five bucks. The company’s Young Playwrights Festival invites Maryland K-12 students to submit their plays, and the Student Critics program gives young people attending student matinées a crash course in how to be a critic, with winning reviewers getting free theater tickets and having their reviews posted on the Centerstage website.
Centerstage is also ready to help out parents when they need it. Child’s Play is in-house daycare that provides kids ages 4–10 with theater-related activities while Mom and Dad watch a Saturday matinée. The cost is $15 per child.
Centerstage Information
- Public Transportation: Good
- Handicapped Accessibility: Good
- Ticket Prices: $10–$65, half-price Rush tickets available for seniors and full-time students on the day of the show, $10 off Rush tickets can be bought in advance for Friday shows by calling, at the box office, or via theater website. Multiple other discount programs include: Day of Show discounts, pay-what-you-can for low-income audience members, and special rates for teachers and students. Group rates for 15 or more
- Subscriptions: Traditional subscriptions range from $60 to $300. Flex memberships provide all the benefits of traditional subscriptions, but with the flexibility and convenience of choosing your own date and time. Preview Flex memberships start at just $25 a ticket. High school or college students can get a modified Flex membership with proof of full-time enrollment. Other extensive student discounts are available. Parents may add a Preferred Seat membership for any child under 18 at 50% off the adult prices.
