Ensemble Arts Philly is a non-profit arts organization that positively impacts the greater region and community. As a place for everyone in Philadelphia, guests can find the best in performing arts – from free lunchtime and happy hour performances to the best in Broadway and classical music. And as the second largest performing arts center in the country, operating proudly in the City of Brotherly and Sisterly Love, we work closely with our producing partners, artists, corporations, and community leaders to provide an array of price points for our guests, including free tickets or deep discounts.
While nearly 25% of the guests that visit our venues come for free access to events and performances, guests can also buy tickets to world-class Broadway shows for as little as $20 and hear the transformative sounds of The Philadelphia Orchestra for as little as $12.
Want the inside scoop on how to get the most affordable tickets for every show? Follow our few quick tips to save money and time, while never saying no to an excellent performance or experience.
1. Keep your eyes on our Community Rush page.
Each Monday, we list performances happening that week with tickets available for $35 or less! These Rush tickets can be purchased in-person at the Box Office or through our convenient Digital Community Rush platform
2. Join our email list!
Receive exclusive, limited time offers, pre-sale opportunities, and invitations to top notch events, while also keeping up with every event and update.
3. Keep an eye out... around holidays when we have our popular annual flash sales!
Don’t miss the discounts like $31 tickets for Halloween, $25 Holiday tickets, and New Year’s Day when tickets are priced the same as the year (next year $20.24)!
4. Follow us on social media @EnsembleArtsPhilly
Our social media channels are the best place to catch special offers and Community Rush availability. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
5. Come to a show with a group.
Did you know that groups of 10+ people receive deep discounts for all shows? Gather your family, friends, coworkers, or chosen group, and contact our Group Sales Manager to get the best seats at the lowest prices for your group!
6. Partner with us!
Are you part of a non-profit charity or community organization and want to provide your community with access to the performing arts? Find out how to access ticket donations for your events, how to bring a group, and other ways we can help your organization more on our website.
7. And the biggest tip... There’s always an affordable option.
You don’t have to wait for a sale, rush, or special deal to enjoy affordable tickets. There are seat options that start at just $20 - $40 a ticket for most performances.
We have also pledged on average over $20,000 per year directly to local community organizations, in addition to hundreds of ticket donations used to help non-profits raise money through silent auctions and fundraising events. Over the years we have partnered with local organizations like Taller Puertrorriqueño, United Negro College Fund, the Mexican Cultural Center, as well as organizations like Art Reach and Hands Up Productions that provide affordability and accessibility to performances through American Sign Language interpretations, the Personal Care Attendants (PCA) Pass, and sensory friendly performances.
A child enjoys a chance at the piñata at the annual Three Kings Day celebration, an event that provides gifts and fun to children in the local Latino and Hispanic community, held in Commonwealth Plaza in partnership with the Mexican Cultural Center.
Proceeds from ticket sales alone do not fully cover our operating costs. We rely on the generous support of foundations, corporations, and individuals to meet our annual goals – which include providing access to the arts for thousands of school children across Philadelphia. Annually, we reach more than 30,000 students with arts education programming, where students interact with the arts through free hands-on classes, special student performances, and group discounts for schools.
Students create lyrics for an original song during the Middle School Summer Arts Sessions, a free week-long introductory-level performing arts summer program for middle school students that explores jazz, musical theater, and music technology.
But it is not just students who are impacted by our efforts. In 2021 the we gifted teachers with $100,000 worth of gift cards (increased from an original $50,000 due to demand), distributing them to local teachers as part of Teacher Appreciation Week in May. We also regularly invite educators to our shows, like when we hosted a Teacher-focused pre-show reception before a concert by The Philadelphia Orchestra or when over 500 teachers attended a performance of the hit Broadway show, Hairspray.
Local elementary teacher, Caitlin, was overjoyed to see Hadestown through a free educator ticket during our 2021-22 season!
We welcome all to Ensemble Arts Philly, and we hope to see you here, whether at a show or free event, soon. Check out our website for all upcoming events and performances, as well as to learn more about our community partnerships.
And are you looking to join us in giving back to the Philadelphia community? Consider becoming a member, or make a monetary donation to support our efforts at any time.