SSF

SCRANTON
SHAKESPEARE
FESTIVAL
Free ticket program

Keeping theatre accessible, together.

FREE TICKET VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

At Scranton Shakespeare Festival, we believe that theatre should be for everyone. Since our founding, we’ve proudly offered free tickets to our summer productions as part of our commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and community service.

However, like many arts organizations across the country, we are facing serious financial challenges. With federal arts funding being reduced, fewer or waning locally available grants, and rising production costs, our ability to sustain fully free performances has become impossible without significant public support.

To continue providing world-class theatre in Scranton without compromising quality, we are making a necessary change: free tickets will no longer be available for our musical performances.

Instead, we’re launching the Free Ticket Program, designed to preserve access for those who need it most — and who are willing to support the Festival in return.

What is the Free Ticket Program?

The Free Ticket Program allows audience members to earn tickets through volunteer work. If you are unable to afford a ticket, you can apply to join the program. If accepted, you’ll complete volunteer hours to earn free ticket vouchers.

How It Works:

For every 4 hours of volunteer service, you will receive one free ticket voucher.
Volunteer hours are calculated at a rate of 1 hour per $5 of ticket value.
You can accumulate hours over time or complete them all at once.

How to Apply

Complete the online application form, letting us know why you’re applying and what skills or interests you bring.
Wait for review, you’ll be notified if you’ve been accepted into the program.
If accepted, you’ll be assigned a brief orientation/training session and matched with volunteer duties based on your availability and interests.
Ready to go?! Apply here.

Important:

Applications must be submitted at least 3 weeks in advance of the performance date you want to attend.
Acceptance is not guaranteed and depends on availability and program capacity.

What Can You Volunteer For?

We welcome help from all skill levels and backgrounds! Some of the volunteer roles include:

Front of House: ushering, greeting patrons, assisting with selling merchandise or tickets
Production Support: set construction, painting, costume sewing or repairs
Facilities Support: theatre and backstage maintenance (plumbing, electrical, general repair)
Administrative Help: distributing flyers, assisting with mailings, organizing supplies

Don't worry, we’ll match you with a task that fits your comfort level and availability.

Who Is Eligble to Apply?

Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
All participants must be legally allowed to volunteer in the United States.
The program is intended for individuals requesting tickets for personal use, not for groups or organizations.
Acceptance is based on program capacity, availability, skills, and scheduling compatibility.

Why We're Doing This...

This program is not only about offering an alternative to paid tickets — it's about building a community. We are facing a funding crisis, and public support is the only way forward. Every hour of volunteer work helps reduce our operating costs and keeps the Festival alive. Your time and energy directly sustain our mission.

We remain deeply committed to accessibility, and the Free Ticket Program is one way we can adapt to survive without losing that commitment.

Join the Free Ticket Program