Frequently Asked Questions about FreePlay

Expandable element Are tickets really free?

Yes! Complimentary tickets are available through FreePlay to theatregoers 25 and under. A $5 handling fee is charged when tickets are reserved online or by phone; the handling fee is waived when reserved in person at our Box Offices at the Ahmanson, Taper, and Douglas.

Expandable element Who can reserve FreePlay tickets?

Anyone 25 and under may reserve FreePlay tickets. Box Office staff will check the IDs (or any form of age verification) of all ticketholders when tickets are picked up.

Expandable element I require accommodations for mobility, vision, and/or hearing. What options do I have?

When reserving FreePlay tickets, please call Audience Services at 213.628.2772 so that we can ensure we meet your needs. Learn more about our ACCESS program.

Expandable element How many tickets can I reserve?

You may reserve two tickets per production. Please note that each ticketholder must show ID at the Box Office when picking up tickets.

Expandable element Is there a minimum age for FreePlay?

Yes and no. As a general rule, we recommend 13 as a minimum age for participation in FreePlay. However, parents and guardians should evaluate each play individually as our minimum age recommendations fluctuate. Parents and guardians are also welcome to accompany their young people by purchasing a full-price ticket for the same performance. Please check out our Show Guide for Parents for more information.

Expandable element Can my parent or a companion who is not under 25 join me?

Sure! Any parent or companion who would not otherwise be eligible for FreePlay may purchase a single ticket. You may reserve both tickets (FreePlay ticket and full-price ticket) at the same time by calling Audience Services at 213.628.2772. Please note that the full-price ticket will likely not be seated next to (or near) the complimentary FreePlay ticket.

Expandable element Are all Center Theatre Group productions available through FreePlay?

Center Theatre Group currently is offering free tickets to the first performance of all productions at the Mark Taper Forum and Kirk Douglas Theatre, and most Ahmanson Theatre productions. Please visit the program page for updated information on available productions.

Expandable element When will tickets be available?

FreePlay tickets will be released approximately two weeks before the first performance of each production. Please refer to the FreePlay program page for dates and be sure to sign up for our mailing list to get advance notice.

Expandable element Can I get rush tickets on the day of the FreePlay performance?

We cannot guarantee availability, but you are welcome to visit the Box Office and pick up a FreePlay ticket the day of the performance. You may have a better chance of getting tickets within 30 minutes of curtain in the case that any reserved FreePlay tickets were not picked up and have been released.

Expandable element Will I know my seat location when I reserve FreePlay tickets?

Unfortunately, no. In order to ensure we can provide as many playgoers as possible with complimentary tickets through this program, we take reservations beginning approximately two weeks before the performance. Our Box Office will assign seat locations on a first-come, first-served basis depending on when reservations were made.

Expandable element When can I pick up my ticket?

Please pick up your FreePlay ticket at the theatre’s Box Office on the day of the performance. You must pick up your ticket and have them in-hand at least 30 minutes prior to curtain. Any tickets not picked up 30 minutes prior to curtain will be released for general sale to the public. See Box Office hours here.

Expandable element What happens if I reserved a ticket but can’t attend?

If you realize you cannot attend the performance, please notify us as soon as possible (and at least two hours before curtain) by calling Audience Services at 213.628.2772. We are not able to return any applicable handling fees. FreePlay is a free program with very limited capacity. If we’re notified in advance, we are able to allow others to attend. Please note: to keep things fair, any playgoer who reserves a ticket and does NOT attend will no longer be eligible to participate in future FreePlay performances and will be removed from our email list.

Expandable element FreePlay tickets seem to be sold out. Is there a waitlist?

Unfortunately, no. But, tickets are returned to us from time to time, so please check back frequently as the reservation system will open back up as more tickets become available.

Expandable element How many tickets are available through FreePlay?

It depends. Because we release all remaining tickets to the first performance of a production approximately two weeks in advance, some plays might have more availability than others. In the case of popular plays or anticipated sell-outs, we do hold a number of seats for FreePlay. In general, we try to make 100 seats or more available for each play.

Expandable element How can I be informed about FreePlay tickets in advance?

Check our program page for scheduled FreePlay ticket releases. Plus, sign up for our mailing list to be informed the minute tickets are released.

Expandable element I’m 25 and under. What other programs do you have that I might be interested in?

Literally, so many. Here is a (brief) overview of some of them:

Expandable element I’m older than 25 but would like to learn more about low-cost ticket opportunities.

Center Theatre Group offers low-cost ($25–$30) tickets at all three theatres. Check out the Find Tickets on Your Budget feature on our website to easily find low-cost tickets to every show. We also encourage you to sign up for our Promos & Offers mailing list for exclusive access to discount ticket offers.

Expandable element I love FreePlay. How can I support Center Theatre Group’s efforts to bring more young people to the theatre?

First, thank you! We aren’t able to make FreePlay tickets free without the inspiring support of our donors. Please join us. Or give us a call—we’d love to hear from you and learn more about how we can support you in paying it forward. Please contact us at 213.972.7564.