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Pay What?

Pay What You Decide!
Launched in 2016, Azuka Theatre was the first theater company in Philadelphia (and in the country as far as we can tell) to offer its entire season of productions as Pay What You Decide (PWYD): every production, every performance, everyone.

The Basics
>> Make a no-cost reservation now.
>> Come see the show
>> Make a payment as you leave the theater!

We want to remove the financial barrier of seeing theater - particularly new theater work - and open the doors to anyone interested in attending a show.

Pay What You Decide: FAQ

  1. What IS Pay What You Decide?
    Pay What You Decide is exactly what it sounds like: there are no fixed prices, no financial risk of buying a ticket in advance and it provides you the opportunity to decide the value based on your experience.

  2. How does Pay What You Decide work?
    Tickets are available to reserve in advance as usual, but there is no opportunity to pay until after you have seen the show. You decide the price based on your experience.

  3. Is there a minimum ticket price?
    Nope! We do offer an option to pay $25 up front, but the price is completely up to you! If you need a place to start: this year, the average single ticket price for theaters our size in Philadelphia is $35.

  4. What does the money support?
    All money collected helps pay our artists and supports future productions, and we therefore hope you will give generously.

  5. So, how do I get my tickets?
    There are no tickets to print or pick up, however if you make a reservation online or by phone, you will receive a reservation confirmation via email. Patrons who have made reservations in advance can simply check in with their name at the Box Office as usual.
    Please note: Unclaimed RESERVED tickets will be re-released 15 minutes prior to each performance.

  6. How do I pay?
    Payment can be made after the performance by cash, check, credit card, or Venmo. We provide a payment envelope to drop in a basket or you can visit us at the box office to make your payment.

  7. Are there still discounts for Students, Industry Members and Seniors?
    Now that you have the opportunity to pay what you decide based on your experience, this model eliminates the need for reduced price, discounted or tiered ticketing, providing an equal opportunity for patrons from any financial background.

  8. Is my payment anonymous?
    That’s up to you! While we would love to know who is supporting us and how to contact you, you can simply leave that information on the payment envelope blank. At the very least, please let us know how many seats you’re paying for and your Zip Code.

  9. You said you were the first company - are there other companies doing this?
    There are! The newest company (2024) to adopt a version of this model is Opera Philadelphia! In 2018, Simpatico Theatre began offering their entire season as PWYD; Creative Works of Lancaster started in September 2019; and Mad Horse Theatre Company in South Portland, Maine started offering their performances with this model in the fall of 2021! If you know of others, please tell us!

We would like to thank The Barra Foundation for their generous support to help us research and launch this program, Annabel Turpin & Daniel Mitchelson formerly of ARC Stockton and Porl Cooper of Slung Low's THE HUB for hosting us at their theaters and providing invaluable expertise, and the numerous individuals who have given us a thumbs-up or donation of any size to move us forward!