"All the World's a Stage": Affordable Theatre in Edmonton

If you're looking for something to do, and none of the current film releases strike your fancy, how about giving a live show a try? There's a common misconception that theatre is expensive, but in some cases, tickets are cheaper than a trip to your average multiplex.

• In-house productions put on by students in the Department of Drama at the University of Alberta are free - just check the schedule for updated show information and times.

• Studio Theatre, cradle of amateur creativity, offers $5 preview Wednesdays. Their productions seem to be hit-or-miss, but when they get it right, there's no better value for your money.



• Teatro la Quindicina and Shadow Theatre, both housed at the well-worn but cozy Varscona, both offer 2 for 1 Tuesdays, and even better, pay-what-you-can Saturday matinees. Without question my two favorite local theatre companies, their productions are often witty, fun, and heartfelt.



• Even the famed Citadel Theatre has affordable shows, in the form of pay-what-you-can Sundays. As long as you have time to spare (their wristband ticket distribution system will take up an afternoon in itself), you can inexpensively partake in any of their sterling productions. Vern Thiessen's upcoming premiere of Vimy has been generating quite the buzz already.



• Theatre Network at the Roxy also offers 2 for 1 deals on Tuesdays. With great in-house productions and out-of-town imports like Famous Puppet Death Scenes, it is one company worth keeping an eye on.



• If comedy is your preferred genre, Die-Nasty, the weekly live improvised soap opera, and Oh Susannah, the monthly Euro-style talk show, may be the perfect indulgence. Wacky, unpredictable, and supported by the most committed regular audience I have ever seen, it's a guarantee you'll have a night out like no other.



• There's even the option to enjoy theatre from the comfort of your own home - Urban Tales 10: Bifurious, from Northern Light Theatre, claims to be the "First EVER Canadian Live Theatre Web-cast of a staged workshop". Check it out here on October 27.

So no excuses - check out some live theatre today!