An arts organization, particularly a nonprofit one, needs to be accessible.
If people can't see your work because they can't afford the tickets, then what exactly is the point of having the 501(c)3 status?
There are a lot of ways to ensure your work is accessible. The way I use at my job is to have as many different price points as possible.
Depending on a lot of different factors a person could pay as little as $10 for a ticket or as much as $56.
Yes, that's a wide range of possible prices, but they work together to keep our average ticket price at a reasonable level.
Sometimes it helps to have a bit of a mantra or guideline when it comes to setting ticket prices, discounts, etc.
Here's my guideline:
I believe that an average couple, with a bit of advanced planning, should be able to see a performance at my day job and then go to dinner at a decent restaurant for about $100 total.
That's my completely made up, but very helpful to me, standard. When I'm thinking about pricing, I see that couple in my head, imagine a $100 bill on the table and start thinking backwards.
Take the time to look carefully at the prices you are charging for your work, the discounts you offer, etc.
Because if people can't afford to see your work, then that nonprofit status is really a waste.
Comments