Keeping up with your thespian habit or simply getting into theater, may leave you realizing just how pricey this hobby can be. However, the art of the theater can be a great way to enjoy yourself while broadening your horizons. Luckily, it doesn’t have to be all high prices. There’s actually many ways to make your hobby shine without having to fork over lots of your money. This will allow you to find more pleasure in your hobby, while helping you cut back on your entertain budget. So, start working on projecting your voice, painting your scenery and memorizing lines, because these tips are sure to get your hobby rolling.

1. Community Drama
Most communities offer a theater program that anyone can join. From open try outs to volunteer positions, if you’re really serious about getting into theater this may be the route for you. Of course, community theaters do have their own requirements for everyone that participates, so don’t expect to get a leading role or huge job when you’ve just joined the drama program. However, over time, you may be able to let your thespian light shine. The best thing about community programs is you don’t have to pay to join and most of the proceeds made from the play go towards funding the next play. You can usually find these programs at a college or city theater, so make sure to ask around if you’re interested in joining such a program. Before you know it, you’ll be well on your way to the leading part you’ve been dreaming of.

2. Join a Class
Some communities offer free drama and theater classes to the public, so you might want to look around to see if you qualify for one of these classes. However, if your community doesn’t do this then you may want to seek out other ways to learn. For instance, most colleges and universities will offer a wide variety of theater and drama courses, which may strike your fancy. Going with a community college will save you a lot of money and will allow you the motivation you need to stick with the hobby. Of course, these credits can even be used as an elective for a degree, or may even inspire you to pursue a degree in theater. You may actually be surprised by how many careers you can pursue with a degree in the dramatic arts. If you’re in high school or junior high school still you can easily join drama club or sign up for a class to help you enjoy the world of theater. Plus, any plays you participate in will look great on your college applications.

3. Local Plays
Part of loving the theater is getting to see plays whenever you get the chance. Of course, paying to get into a play can cost you a small fortune depending on the theater. Broadway and other big name theaters may not allow you to get more out of your love for theater. So, instead of shooting to go to famous productions, try to keep it local. More often than not, you can get into these plays for very little, which will help save you in the long run. A lot of the plays are performed through the community theater, so you’ll know whatever you pay for entrance is going to help the theater group move forward on their next production. High schools are also known for putting on plays that won’t cost you a fortune. Plus, when you pay to get into these productions you’ll be helping out a local school with their academic and arts programs. Overall, keeping it local will help you enjoy what your community has to offer while also giving back to your community.

4. Work in the Background
If you love plays, but aren’t exactly talented when it comes to performing, then you may find a great place in the background of the theater. There’s so many jobs to choose from that you’re sure to find something that strikes your fancy. From makeup, costumes, designing sets, working the lights and even directing, you will probably find a home away from home in the theater that won’t force you to be on the main stage. These jobs are a lot of work, but they’re also very rewarding. In fact, you may even be surprised to find you might be talented in one of the jobs. You don’t have to stick with one thing either, explore the world of theater! When your job is complete, you should gain free access to the play, which will allow you to admire your team’s hard work.

5. Try Acting Camp/Retreat
One of the best ways to really get into theatre is go to a camp or a retreat. This will allow you to dedicate time to the art of drama, so you won’t be distracted. It will also give you a chance to mingle with other thespians, which will help you learn even more about your talents and the art form. Of course, going to a camp will cost more than taking weekly lessons, but it will give you the opportunity you need to fully concentrate on your art. Many famous actors and actresses spent time at camps and retreats, which helped them find their voice an actor so they could make the films they do today. Not to mention, a camp or retreat could help you find the relaxation you’ve been hoping for. With a little research, you should uncover some of the best camps to go to, which will suit your needs substantially! Of course, these camps and retreats are just for budding actors, if you’re experienced you can enjoy a camp or retreat too.

6. Use the Net
When it comes to acting and theater, you can find a wide range of resources on the internet. From online libraries to streaming websites like Youtube. These resources will allow you to read plays, so you can learn about different styles and get an idea of what your acting abilities can encompass. Apart from that, you should be able to find acting courses on college or streaming websites that can help you learn new techniques while allowing to discover your talents. This is a great way to start up your interest in acting, so you can decide if you’d like to continue on with your studies. It will also give you a great place to watch a variety of the same play, so you see how different actors approached the part. This self-education could really make a difference in your performances.

7. Start A Club
Support is one of the best ways to improve your acting and to enjoy the theater. So, create your own little community by starting up a club. As a group, you can read lines for your favorite plays or even work on your improv for a bit of a fun. The group should be able to provide constructive criticism, which will help everyone become better at their art. The best thing about joining a club is you’ll be able to enjoy discounts on tickets to plays. You should be able to find lots of great coupons on social media websites to help your group experience a wide range of plays. You may even be able to get into lessons as a group at a discounted price. This is sure to help you save money and have more fun with your art.

8. Look for Scholarships
If you’d like to pursue an acting school or even take courses in the dramatic arts then you may want to look around for scholarships. There’s a lot available for high school students planning on making their way to a university in the next year or two. However, if you graduated some time ago, you can still find scholarships to help with your needs. The key is to know where to look, so try to uncover as much online as you possibly can. If you are in high school or college then you should be able to discuss this option with a guidance counselor. Counselors should have the resources to point you in the right direction with ease.

9. Write For Yourself
One of the big expenditures for an actor or actress hoping to do their ow production is paying to use someone else’s play or monologue. One way to combat this is to write your own monologue. This can really be a lot of fun for those trying to get more in touch with a character and to learn the ins and out of the process of creating a play. Once you’ve created a monologue then you will have something to practice with for auditions or to simply work on your characters. This won’t cost you a penny and will improve your acting abilities as well as your appreciation of writers, particularly those who came up with the classics.

10. Discount Plays
If you’re dying to get into a well-known play, then you don’t have to cut this option out just yet. Sure, Broadway plays and other high-scale theaters can be way out of the average price range, but that doesn’t mean you’ll never get to go. Believe it or not, but there are seasons that are slow for Broadway. So, if you’d like to get the Broadway experience then you should try to get tickets in January thru March. This is their off-season and thus they’d be able to offer tickets at a lower price. Other major theaters do the same thing, so make sure to call and ask when their off-season is, so you can prepare to enjoy the theater. Of course, you will also be able to find discounts on social media sites, which often cater to groups. This is perfect if you have a family or group of people who want to go to the theater. With any luck, you’ll be able to get your tickets for next to nothing, so you can move on to enjoy some great plays!

Being a thespian doesn’t have to be about shoveling money into your hobby or potential career. Instead, there’s lots of great ways to cut back on the spending while still enjoying everything that makes the theater great. So, don’t be afraid to give in a little to your thespian side, because there are ways to get around the high price that a passion for theater can bring.