Going to see a play or musical at a New Jersey theater can be a fun night out. Tickets to some shows can seem costly, but many professional theatres in the state do offer discounts - in part to draw a new audience.

Many theaters are experiencing a slow recovery since the pandemic shut down live entertainment and are providing incentives to help build back their audience. A program many theaters participate in, particularly regional theaters that produce their own plays and musicals, is 30 Under 30 - meaning adults under age 30 can purchase tickets for $30.

"The idea of a program like 30 Under 30 is partly to reach out to people who may not yet have made theater-going a significant part of their life or a habit," says Erica Nagel, the deputy director of the New Jersey Theatre Alliance, an association of some 40 theatres. "Reaching out to a younger demographic, saying we're here for you" is the purpose Nagel says.

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There are also active-duty military, veterans, educator and AAA discounts offered by many theaters, in addition to reduced ticket prices for students and seniors.

Some theaters (Mile Square Theatre in Hoboken, Hudson Theatre Works in Weehawken, Axelrod PAC in Deal to name a few) have also offered pay what you will performances with a minimum price of $10 or less per ticket, with the ticket buyer deciding how much to pay beyond the minimum price.

Be sure to check the theater's website for discount ticket offers or ask at the box office.