Kennedy Center membership: how does it work?

[Anonymous]

I'm on the website and it's not well explained. I can order a "subscription" to performances but it takes you down a complex path...pricing is opaque. There is a number I can call but I can't seem to get any info online and nothing involving cost.

Any K center members who can share their experience? I have a 6 yo DD, we'd go primarily for youth performances, NSO Pops, Nutcracker, etc.

[Anonymous]

We are members solely to get early access to ticket purchasing. There are other benefits, like a discount in the shop, a tiny discount off parking, access to lounges, invitations to special events, that we never use.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are members solely to get early access to ticket purchasing. There are other benefits, like a discount in the shop, a tiny discount off parking, access to lounges, invitations to special events, that we never use.

Us, too. I looked into the subscription option that OP mentions but the are grouped by type of performance (theater, symphony, dance, etc), so it seems to only make sense if you are passionate about one of those. There is a small discount if you do a subscription but not huge and it does allow you to buy extra tickets at the regular price (eg get two discounted tickets for 4 shows and then add two more for a show you want to take more to). Once you are a member you can do it online and see the pricing a bit better. Also they have a special members only ticket phone number and they are very knowledgeable and helpful there.

[Anonymous]

A subscription gets you a certain number of tickets for each show in a designated category each season (e.g., I have a theatre subscription so get tickekts for each of the main 6 or so theatre shows). You can renew or not renew each summer. A membership gets you access to purchased tickets before the general public, but after subscriber tickets/seating are assigned.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for these replies. What is the cost of membership? I understand the "circles" membership is higher end. Annoyed that I can't get this info online; I guess I'm supposed to call for that info? I'd like to consider it w/o getting the hard sell fro someone on the phone.

[Anonymous]

*from someone on the phone

[Anonymous]

Starts at $60. Look at this page: https://www.kennedy-center.org/membership/

[Anonymous]

Ah! OK so the "donation level" is the membership. Got it! I thought that was just philanthropic giving.

Appreciate it.

[Anonymous]

IMO the sweet spot is the $120--early ticket purchase and access to lounges in Opera House, Concert Hall and Eisenhower. They aren't all that fancy, but it's a place to grab a quick coffee, tea, or lemonade and a little snack (typical options are cookes, M&Ms, and pretzels).