From Stage to Studio

You don’t need a big budget to enjoy a live performance—at least, not here in The Palm Beaches. In addition to big shows and festivals throughout the year, there are plenty of affordable ways to take in live music, dance performances and theater productions. You can even participate in special classes or workshops! Read on for our lineup of fun, budget-friendly ways to enjoy the performing arts in Florida’s Cultural Capital®.

See Live Performances

One of my favorite things to do is hand my ticket to an usher and step into a theater before the show begins. In The Palm Beaches, it’s easy to recreate this feeling—hundreds of performances happen throughout the year. Those who appreciate traditional music will revel in the rich sound of Masterworks Chorus of The Palm Beaches, which performs complex masterworks at affordable prices. If you’re a ballet fan, see Ballet Palm Beach perform classics like Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein this October and The Nutcracker in December.

Looking for a fun date idea? Arts Garage’s packed lineup of live rock, funk, jazz and blues music makes for the perfect night out in Delray Beach. Don’t miss its ongoing All Arts Open Mic nights either; you’ll see some seriously talented Palm Beach County poets, comedians and musicians. Tickets start at $20 and include two drinks. You can also bring your own food or snacks to stay energized throughout the night.

It’s always extra special to see a show in an older theater. At the historic Lake Worth Playhouse, watch talented community members perform favorites such as In the Heights and Little Shop of Horrors. Theater lovers also won’t want to miss Palm Beach Dramaworks, which stages world premieres, beloved classics and more. You can also enhance your night at the theater through its restaurant packages, social nights and talkbacks.

Take a Class

Want to try your hand at rehearsing some lines or learning a new instrument? There are plenty of classes for all ages and skill levels in The Palm Beaches. At Arts Garage, try an acting or improv class, or attend a jazz lecture to learn more about the icons behind the sound.

 

If you’ve always wanted to take a dance class, there are several options in the area. Downtown Dance in Lake Worth Beach offers a variety of classes in a supportive environment, including contemporary, ballet, jazz and heels. Adult classes in ballet, jazz and tap at Boca Ballet and Paris Ballet are also great choices for those looking to strengthen their balance and flexibility.

 

Interested in what goes on behind the scenes? The Maltz Jupiter Theatre offers free lectures that show participants how its productions come together. Topics cover modern set design, choreography, the creative process and more, led by Producing Artistic Director and CEO Andrew Kato.

Think Outside the Black Box

I’ve found that some of the coolest, most memorable performances happen in unconventional places. Every year, the Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival offers several free or affordable performances, with tickets starting at $10, in outdoor spaces that bring Shakespeare’s works to life. Each season features beloved Shakespearean classics in unique outdoor settings throughout Palm Beach County.

If you’d rather duck inside for some air conditioning, Art After Dark at the Norton Museum of Art offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy live music and special activities alongside discounted museum admission, while its jazz brunches on select Sundays are the perfect start to the week. Every September, the Norton hosts Open Spaces in collaboration with Natural Movers Foundation. This site-specific performance features works by regional dance artists throughout the museum’s galleries.

In addition to its many performances throughout the year, the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts offers community events for the whole family. Its free annual Block Party brings nonstop music, kids’ activities and performances by Palm Beach County cultural organizations, while National Dance Day’s free workshops in K-pop dance, hip-hop and jazz will keep you moving and grooving.

Prefer a more intimate performance experience? Check out The Society of the Four Arts. Each year, it welcomes some of the world’s most renowned musicians to perform classical music, jazz, bluegrass and more in the Four Arts’ historic Walter S. Gubelmann Auditorium.

One thing I love about going to performances in The Palm Beaches is that something new is always happening. Companies are staging world premieres, collaborating with other local organizations, or coming up with innovative ideas. I’ve traveled across the country, and it really is a treat to see high-quality shows without spending a lot. Come see for yourself just how vibrant the performing arts scene is here in Florida’s Cultural Capital®.