The Price is Right: Where to Catch Pay-What-You-Can Performances in Seattle
No barriers for the arts...we’ve got a schedule of upcoming pay-what-you-can performances around the Puget Sound.
Great art shouldn’t come with a financial barrier. Across Seattle, a growing number of arts organizations are making it easier to experience live performance—no matter your budget. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or just curious to dip your toes in, pay-what-you-can nights invite everyone to grab a seat. Here’s a look at some of the shows opening their doors with flexible pricing—and how you can join the audience without breaking the bank.
Much Ado About Nothing
- July 11 – August 16
Love and laughter tangle in a sparkling tale of wit, trickery, and mistaken identity. The fiery Beatrice and the stubborn Benedick are hilariously duped into falling for each other, while young lovers Hero and Claudio are torn apart by a villain’s cruel deception.
Greenstage Shakespeare in the Park
greenstage.org
Richard III
- July 11 – August 16
A blood-soaked tale of ambition, betrayal, and one man’s ruthless rise to the throne. Richard, a cunning and silver-tongued villain, stops at nothing—murdering brothers, seducing widows, and spinning webs of deceit—to seize the English crown.
Greenstage Shakespeare in the Park
greenstage.org
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
- July 11 – August 16
Backyard Bard presents two stripped-down productions of Shakespeare’s plays, each one hour long, and both performed by a small ensemble of versatile actors. Backyard Bard was born out of a desire to bring Shakespeare to smaller parks and new audiences in underserved neighborhoods.
Deep in an enchanted forest, feuding fairy royalty meddle with lovesick mortals, causing hearts to tangle and affections to go hilariously astray. A mischievous sprite named Puck sprinkles a bit too much fairy dust, leading to donkey-headed suitors, bewitched lovers, and a delightfully absurd play within a play.
Greenstage Backyard Bard
greenstage.org
The Taming of the Shrew
- July 12 – August 16
Backyard Bard presents two stripped-down productions of Shakespeare’s plays, each one hour long, and both performed by a small ensemble of versatile actors. Backyard Bard was born out of a desire to bring Shakespeare to smaller parks and new audiences in underserved neighborhoods.
Sharp-tongued Kate wants nothing to do with marriage, but the bold and mischievous Petruchio is determined to win her. As he matches her wit with outrageous antics, their romance turns into a hilarious war of words, wills, and mind games.
Greenstage Backyard Bard
greenstage.org
Duel Reality
- May 29 at 7:30 p.m.
- June 15 at 7:30 p.m.
You are invited to the biggest, most breathtaking match of the century: Montagues vs. Capulets. These two feuding families face off in an epic competition of acrobatic talent and skill as the audience cheers them on.
Seattle Rep
seattlerep.org
As You Like It
- July 10 – August 17
Seattle Shakespeare Company’s free Wooden O production for the summer of 2025 will be William Shakespeare’s much-loved comedy, As You Like It. Performances begin July 10 and run through August 17 at parks throughout the Puget Sound region.
Seattle Shakespeare Company
seattleshakespeare.org
The Color Purple
- June 18 at 7:30 p.m.
With a soul-raising, Grammy Award-winning score infused with jazz, gospel, ragtime and the blues, The Color Purple is a triumphant musical adapted from the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker.
Village Theatre Issaquah
villagetheatre.org
