sliding scale ticket model

One of Shakespeare in the Woods’ core values within our mission statement is to make art that is accessible to all audiences regardless of socioeconomic standing. To reflect this we’re introducing our new sliding scale ticket model that was built using language and framework originally created by Alexis J. Cunningfolk | www.wortsandcunning.com . 

 

SUGGESTED READING: Why Sliding Scale Ticket Pricing? from The Vermont Community Foundation

 

Our suggested 2024 Season General Admission Adult ticket price is $20, which we recognize will be more than affordable for some and still prohibitive for others. We’ve set this price intentionally to address the financial barrier that so often comes with attending theatre. This barrier also reinforces a perception that theatre is a luxury meant only for a specific economic bracket of the population.

 

It is also important to recognize that $20 doesn’t in any form reflect the real economics of making our productions happen or compensating our artists- to truly do so would see a GA price well above $20.  You can learn more about the economics of our productions below, and how those economics inform the higher price options listed.

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Shakespeare in the Woods is all about engaging in dialogue with audiences through art- we are half of a conversation and you, the audience, are the other. We believe the arts are a vital part of communal wellness and connection, and we believe theatre (and Shakespeare!) is for everyone. We would love to have you in the audience. 

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For a sliding scale to work, it relies on the principles of truthfulness, respect, and accountability. We don’t ask for income verification, but we do ask that you be mindful when engaging with the sliding scale model. Community thrives when accountability is a central value. If you purchase a price at the lowest end of the scale when you can truthfully afford the higher ticket prices, you’re actually limiting access to those who truly need the assistance of financial flexibility. Being honest with yourself and your financial situation when engaging with sliding scale practices grows strong and sustainable communities.

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WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR ME? The below guidelines are meant to help you determine what tier of the sliding scale is right for you. No cost $0 tickets are always available for all of our productions. If you don’t see this category available during checkout, please email shakespeareinthewoodsvt@gmail.com, and we’ll help book your ticket!

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* Basic Needs include food, housing, health care, and transportation.

** Expendable Income might mean you are able to buy coffee or tea at a shop, go to the movies or a concert, buy new clothes, books, and similar items each month, etc.

The above and below description language was originally developed by Alexis J. Cunningfolk. 

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$85 Ticket (true cost price) I am comfortable and able to meet all of my basic* needs. I may have some debt, but it does not prohibit attainment of basic needs. I own my home, or I rent a higher-end property. I own/ lease a car, or I can always afford public and private transport. I am employed, or do not need to work to meet my needs. I have regular access to healthcare. I have access to financial savings. I have an expendable** income. I can afford vacations or to take time off.

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$60 - 35 Sliding Scale Ticket (added support price) I am able to meet my basic* needs. I may have some debt, but it does not prohibit attainment of basic needs. I own my home, or I rent a property. I own/lease a car, or I can afford public and private transport. I am employed or self employed. I have access to healthcare. I have access to some financial savings. I have some expendable** income. I can take a vacation without financial burden.

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$20 Ticket (suggested ticket price) I may stress about meeting my basic* needs, but still regularly achieve them. I may have some debt, but it does not prohibit attainment of basic needs. I have access to a car and can afford gas, or I can afford public transport and often private transport. I am employed or self-employed. I have some financial savings. I have some expendable** income. I have access to healthcare. I can take a vacation annually, or every few years without financial burden.

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$15 – $0 Sliding Scale Ticket I frequently stress about meeting basic* needs and don’t always achieve them. I have debt, and it sometimes prohibits me from meeting my basic needs. I have unstable housing. I sometimes can’t afford public or private transport. I am unemployed or underemployed. I have no access to savings. I have no or very limited expendable** income. I do not have the ability to take time off without financial burden.

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Understanding SitW’s 2024 Production Economics 

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Budget Breakdown:

• $24,778 in Local Housing & Transportation costs

• $37,380 in Artist Pay for 2024 company (includes 16 professional artist contracts)

• $9,942.45 in Production Costs (includes administrative, insurance, photography, graphic design, printing materials, set and prop materials, costumes, lighting equipment, and storage rental costs)

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Some quick math examples of how ticket pricing affects our economics:

• If all tickets are priced at the “true cost” amount, with a season attendance of 400 people: $85 x 400 = $34,000 

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• If all tickets are priced at our suggested amount, with a season attendance of 400 people: $20 x 400 = $8,000

 

• Single show attendance of 40 people where tickets are all $60 vs $20:

            $60 x 40 = $2,400 vs $20 x 40= $800

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In sharing this information, we hope those outside the non-profit theatre industry gain a deeper understanding of what the true cost of making our art is, and how ticket pricing can play a significant role in funding. SitW currently receives the majority of its funding from a combination of grants and sustained individual donors, followed by grassroots fundraising, ticket sales, and playbill advertisers.

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