Top 10 ways to save at the Ford

Get the inside scoop from the box office staff

By Linda Chiavaroli

The hive of activity that is the Ford box office was humming one recent afternoon when Box Office Manager Breanna Keeter and Asst. Box Office Manager/Group Sales Eve Childs took a few minutes to enumerate for me the best bargains the Ford has to offer. Even in the midst of ringing phones and the steady tap of computer keyboards, they have a relaxed air.

“I think one thing that makes our box office unusual is that both of us are from the South. Folks in LA are not used to being called ‘ma’am’ and ‘sir,’” says Eve, who was raised in Texas. 

“It’s Southern hospitality,” says South Carolina native Breanna.

Consulting their grids showing the summer events, prices and various discounts, the pair did a countdown of the top 10 ways to save money at the Ford.

#10 Buy your tickets in person
Breanna: “That’s an automatic saving of $3 per ticket because there’s no service charge. Plus we get to meet you. If you’re in Hollywood stop by.”


#9 Early bird price
Eve: “For almost all our shows you save $5 on a full price ticket if you buy a week or more before the performance.”


#8 Subscriptions
Breanna: “This is great way to see a lot of shows and save money. If you buy 3 or more events in a single transaction, you get 20 percent off already affordably priced tickets. You can pick three entirely different shows, like Body Traffic’s modern dance piece, Fiesta Mexicana and Israeli contemporary dance by Keshet Chaim. Or you can see three similar shows like the alternative pop music of Kollaboration, Koffeehouse’s Indie evening and Element Band. When you subscribe you pay a flat $10 handling fee instead of $3 per ticket. If you buy two tickets to three shows you save $8 right off the bat, plus the 20 percent.”  Click here to download the 2010 Summer "Season Subscriber" Order Form.


#7 Group sale
Eve: “We’ve done group sales for ‘mommies night out,’ senior living centers, church groups, alumni groups, dance studios, leadership networks, birthday parties, you name it. The group rate is good for large families too. You save 10 percent off a full price ticket for groups of 8 to 15 and 20 percent for groups of 16 or more. Students or children do not get a discount because their ticket rates are already discounted, but they do count toward the number in the group. Folks can start by looking at the season at a glance online and find a show they like or by calling me — 323 769-2147 — so I can guide them.” For more information on Group Sales, click here.


#6 25 shows with seats of $25 or less
Breanna: “Look for the shows that have lower prices. The prices for the dance shows are especially reasonable. Even many of the higher priced shows have tiered pricing.

Eve: When you look at how many cultures our shows cover, you could tour the world for less than $700. Why pay $25 to have your bag checked when you can pay $25 for a seat at the Ford? And you don’t have to go to LAX!”


#5 Conscientious saver evening at the Ford
Breanna: “Let’s see. You could buy a lower priced ticket a week before the show and get the early bird discount. Then you could avoid paying for parking by taking the Metro to the Universal station, then taking the free shuttle to the Ford. You could bring your own dinner, a bottle of wine and snacks so you wouldn’t have to spend at concessions. And you’d still have a great time. Even the back row is only 96 feet from the stage.”  Click here for more information.


#4 Student and child tickets
Eve: “Many shows offer a special rate for students and children, usually $12. That means you and your college friends could come to the Fountain Theatre’s flamenco show and you could all sit in top price $55 seats for just $12 each. Remember to bring your student ID as proof.”


#3 Big!World!Fun! family series
Breanna: “This is a great deal for families. Kids 12 and under enter free and adults pay just $5. Parking is only $1. Because these are Saturday morning shows, they’re appealing for seniors too. They’re inexpensive, the shows are just one hour and you don’t have to drive at night.” More information on the Big!World!Fun! family series, click here.


#2 Volunteer
Eve: “Event Services Manager Bill Berry recruits volunteers. If you can be utilized as a volunteer for a show, you can see it for free. You get to meet lots of interesting people who also like the performing arts. It’s a good networking opportunity.”  Click here for more information on volunteer opportunities.


#1 J.A.M. Sessions
Breanna: “These cost no money. They’re the free-est thing in town. Free reservations. Free parking.”

Eve: “All the sessions include a free lesson of some kind. This year you can drum or dance or paint.  The other cool thing is that you can get on the stage and feel what it’s like to be a performer. And if you’re shy you can just watch.” 

More information on FREE J.A.M. Session series, click here.

Top photo: Breanna Keeter (l.) and Eve Childs
Photos by Linda Chiavaroli